Aztec

Macuahuitl

A wooden club with obsidian blades used by the Mexica in warfare.

Chinampas

Man-made agricultural plots in shallow lake beds that enabled year-round farming in central Mexico.

Cholula

A significant religious city allied with the Mexica, known for its temple complex.

Codices

Illustrated manuscripts created by Indigenous people and Spaniards documenting history and religious practices.

Cuauhtemoc

The last ruler of Tenochtitlan who led resistance against the Spanish in 1521.

Smallpox

A disease introduced by the Spaniards that devastated Indigenous populations and impacted their society.

Flower Wars

Ritualized battles to capture prisoners for sacrifice and reinforce warrior status among the Mexica.

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador who led the fall of the Mexica and formed alliances with Indigenous enemies.

Human Sacrifice

A practice central to Mexica religion, viewed as necessary for maintaining divine order.

Jared Diamond

Historian known for arguing that environmental factors aided Europeans in conquering Indigenous societies.

La Malinche

An Indigenous woman who served as Cortés's translator and advisor during the conquest.

Mexica (Aztec)

The dominant Indigenous group in central Mexico that created a vast empire.

Montezuma II

Ruler of the Mexica at the time of the Spanish arrival, faced challenges leading to his death.

Noche Triste

The 'Sad Night' when Spanish forces retreated from Tenochtitlan during a Mexica uprising.

Pedro de Alvarado

A lieutenant of Cortés known for his brutality during the conquest of the Mexica.

Spanish Weapons

The Spanish employed steel swords, guns, and cavalry in their military tactics.

Tabasco

Region where Cortés fought one of his first battles, leading to his significant victory.

Tenochtitlan

Capital of the Mexica Empire, notable for its complex urban planning.

Tlaxcala

An Indigenous confederation and historical enemy of the Mexica that allied with the Spaniards.

Veracruz

Coastal settlement founded by Cortés serving as his base for the expedition in 1519.