Influence of Geography and History on Aztec and Spanish Worldviews

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the historical and cultural context of the Aztec and Spanish societies, focusing on their worldviews and interactions.

Worldview

The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world, shaped by beliefs, values, and experiences.

Conquistador

A Spanish conqueror of the Americas during the Age of Exploration.

Triple Alliance

An alliance formed by the Aztec with two other city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan, to dominate the Valley of Mexico.

Huitzilopochtli

The patron god of the Aztec, associated with the sun and warfare.

Aztlan

The mythical homeland of the Aztec people before their migration south.

Noche Triste

The tragedy where Aztec forces ambushed Spanish troops during a religious festival, resulting in heavy Spanish casualties.

Tenochtitlan

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco.

Spanish Inquisition

A period of interrogation and persecution of those accused of non-Christian beliefs in Spain, aimed to define Catholic orthodoxy.

Reconquista

The historical period that lasted nearly 800 years during which Christian kingdoms sought to recapture territory from the Moors in Spain.

Moctezuma II

The last Aztec emperor, who encountered Hernán Cortés in Tenochtitlan.

Ecological Zone

A region defined by its environmental conditions that influence the species living there.

Tlaxcala

An independent city-state that resisted Aztec domination during their expansion.

Cuitlahuac

Moctezuma II's successor, who became the ruler of the Aztec after the initial Spanish invasion.

Ethnocentrism

The belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.

Human Sacrifice

A ritual practice among the Aztec to appease their gods, which was believed to ensure the continuation of the world.

Valley of Mexico

The central region in Mexico where the Aztec civilization established itself and thrived.

Codex

An ancient manuscript in book form, used by the Aztec to preserve their history and culture.

Patron God

A deity that a specific group or person feels a personal connection to, typically believed to offer guidance and support.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Meso-America

A region stretching from central Mexico to Central America where ancient civilizations flourished.

Spanish Empire

The global empire that developed and expanded across the Americas and parts of Asia and Africa during the 16th century.

Geography

The study of places and the relationships between people and their environments.

Cortés

Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Cahuacan

One of the major city-states the Aztec interacted with in the Valley of Mexico.

Smallpox

A disease that caused major mortality among the Aztec and contributed to the fall of their civilization when introduced by Europeans.

Spanish Crown

The monarchy of Spain, particularly during the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella, who sponsored exploration.

Cultural Exchange

The process by which different cultures share ideas, customs, and social behavior.

Mercenaries

Professional soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army, common among the Aztec for military needs.

Allegiance

Loyalty or commitment to a sovereign or government, often required by the Aztec from conquered peoples.

Inquisition

A legal procedure under the authority of the church to identify and punish heresy.

Spanish Conquest

The period during which Spanish explorers and conquistadors conquered vast territories in the Americas.

Civilization

A complex human society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and symbolic communication.

Noble Class

The social class within Aztec society that includes high-ranking leaders, priests, and the elite.

Agriculture

The science or practice of farming, important for both Aztec and Spanish economies.

Empire Building

The expansion of a country's influence and territory through conquest, colonization, or diplomacy.

Royalty

Members of a royal family; in the context of the Spanish, it refers to the monarchs and nobility.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances.

Cultural Supremacy

The belief that one culture is superior to others, often used to justify colonization.

Artifact

An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.