History Vocab Aztec Empire

Aztec

One of the Nahuatl-speaking Chichimec people with the most powerful political force at the beginning of the 16th century in Mesoamerica.

Mexica

The most powerful group of Aztecs who lived in Tenochtitlan and formed the Triple Alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan.

Caplulli

The main structure of Mesoamerica in which there were socioeconomic units based on kinship that had their own temple, patron deity, and school and provided military security to the people.

Tlatoani

The supreme leader of each city-state, or Altepetl. They would virtually own the Altepetl, as they controlled the military and tribute contribution and oversaw the economy. After being elected, they would lead for life.

Huey Tlatoani

The Empire of the entire Aztec Empire, while simultaneously being the Tlatoani of the capital of the Empire, Tenochtitlan. They were the high priest and seen as a representative of the gods.

Cihuacoatl

The supreme judge and administrator in an altepetl who was second in command and came from the nobility. They oversaw the courts, appointed lower court judges, and oversaw the finances of the altepetl.

Altepetl

City-states that made up the Aztec Empire in which there was the Emperor, the tlatoani, and the supreme judge and administrator, the cihuacoatl. Each altepetl also had their own government and practices within the altepetl.

Triple Alliance

An alliance between Tenochitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan that formed in 1428 and expanded the Empire, ensured safety, and to collect and redistribute tribute. Tenochitlan and Texcoco received 2 ⁄ 5 of the tribute whereas Tlacopan only received 1 ⁄ 5.

Nahuatl

The language spoken by the Chichimec people.

Tribute

a system in which certain goods were collected (every 80 days, half-year, and full year) such as paper, animal products, shields, etc.

Taxes

payment to the emperor. Merchants paid based on the goods they sold. Artisans paid based on the value of their services. Barrios paid through the crops they produced (Aztec citizens only paid taxes not tribute).

Priesthood

The religious leaders who controlled public life.

Huitzilpochtli

The most important deity. The cult of Huitzilpochtli was the center of religious life. It demanded human sacrifice to ensure the sun would rise each day. They used this cult and deity to justify military conquest and the creation of a tribute empire.