March 10th- 15 Aztec part 1

The Aztec Empire

• Timeline: AD 1325 - 1521

Geography and Population

• Key Locations:

  • Tenochtitlan: Capital of the Aztec Empire, population approximately 350,000.

  • Provinces: Estimated total population of around 11,000,000 across various provinces.

• Urban and Rural Divisions: Presence of both urban and rural zones throughout the empire.

Historical Context

Major Civilizations in Mesoamerica

• The Olmecs: Considered the first ancient civilization in Mexico, known for monumental stone heads.

• Mesoamerican Civilizations: Included Maya, Aztec, and various other indigenous groups with distinct cultures.

• Cultural Influence Theories: Some scholars view Olmecs as a "mother" culture from which others evolved, while others believe they were a "sister" culture developing through interaction.

Chronological Development

• Major Periods:

  • Pre-Paleo-Indian (up to 22,000 BCE)

  • Paleo-Indian (12000 - 8000 BCE)

  • Archaic (8000 - 2000 BCE)

  • Formative/Preclassic (2000 BCE - 250/150 CE)

  • Classic (250 - 750 CE)

  • Terminal Classic (750 - 900 CE)

  • Toltec (950 – 1100 CE)

  • Aztec Empire (1325-1521 CE)

  • Colonial (1509-1821 CE)

  • Republican (1821-present)

Aztec Legends

• Aztlan: Mythical homeland of the Aztecs, often described as the "place of the white heron."

  • Mexica- a small portion of the aztec empire

  • The name aztec is from there empire

• Mexica: Refers to the specific subgroup within the Aztec Empire, who identified with the larger term Azteca.

  • Mexica leave’s Aztlan - a mythical homeland, in search of a new place to settle, which ultimately leads them to the Valley of Mexico.

  • According to the legend there are variuos stops (one is the rebirth of there god at (There gods name being Hultzilopochtli) “Coatepec” Serpent Hill) along their migration route, where they encountered various challenges and divine signs that guided their journey.

  • this god meets them at key moments, offering guidance and support, reinforcing their belief in their destiny as a chosen people. This journey is marked by significant events, such as the founding of Tenochtitlan, where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus, symbolizing the fulfillment of their prophecy.

• In the Basic of Mexico:

  • Was well populated by other city states

  • The Aztecs interacted with various neighboring cultures, leading to both alliances and conflicts that shaped their development and territorial expansion.

  • Full of Nahuatl speakers organized into city states (Toltecs, from Tula, Colhuacan & Xico)

  -All from the North

  • Tepanecs: Azcapotzalco

    • Acolhua: coatlinchan plus more

Foundation of Tenochtitlan

• Year of Foundation: 1345, founded after fleeing from Colhuacan.

  • Fleeing form Colhaucaln, the Mexica established Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, where they built a powerful city that would become the center of the Aztec Empire.

  • The first thing they did was build a temple

• Significant Omen: An eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake, guiding the settlement.

• Initial Actions: The construction of the Templo Mayor was among the first developments.

Tenochtitlan, captal of the Aztecs

The ceremonial center is organized around a twin pyramid

• That served both religious and political purposes, symbolizing the duality of the Aztec worldview.

• The Templo Mayor was not only a place of worship but also a site for significant events, including rituals and ceremonies that reinforced the social hierarchy and power of the ruling elite.

• The second temple is to there patron god Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture, highlighting the importance of agricultural fertility in Aztec society. This complex reflects the integration of spirituality and governance, as the Aztecs believed that pleasing their gods was essential for maintaining order and prosperity in their empire.

• The twin pyramids is also flanked by volcanos, which were considered sacred by the Aztecs and further emphasized their connection to the natural world and the divine.

• Additionally, the layout of the Templo Mayor was meticulously designed to align with celestial bodies, showcasing the Aztecs' advanced understanding of astronomy and its influence on their agricultural practices. (symbolism everywhere)

• The temple of mayor during the wet season, the sun rises behind the temple on the left, while during the dry season, the temple rises behind the red temple

  • On the spring and fall equinox the sun rises between the temple and faces the sacred stone at the center, creating a breathtaking display that symbolizes the balance between the heavens and the earth. (Tenochtitlan)

  • This alignment not only served a religious purpose but also reinforced the importance of seasonal cycles in Aztec culture, as agricultural activities were closely tied to these celestial events.

Aztec Social Structure

• Calpulli: The fundamental social unit or mini-chiefdom, led by an elected chief.

• Social Classes:

  • Tlatoani: Rulers/divine kings

  • Pipiltin: Nobility

  • Pochteca: Wealthy merchants

  • Macehualltin: Commoners

  • Tlacotin/Mayeques: Enslaved individuals

Imperial Expansion

Strategies for Control

• Carrot and Stick Approach:

  • The Carrot: Local leaders retained power, trade networks were established, local gods were respected, and tribute was demanded.

  • The Stick: Military forces replaced local leaders with Aztec governors when necessary.

Motives for Imperial Expansion

1. Economic: Seeking wealth through tribute and trade.

2. Political: Expanding and consolidating power.

3. Social: Desire for glory and valor in warfare.

4. Religious: Religious motivations tied to beliefs around life and death in warfare.

Aztec Religion

• Highlighted deities include Huitzilopochtli (the god of war) and Coyolxauhqui, among others.

• Ceremonial Practices included human sacrifices, significant in the Aztec religious context.

Important Deities

• Huitzilopochtli: Central deity, associated with the sun and war.

• Tlaloc: God of rain and fertility.

• Quetzalcoatl: Fertility god, god of wind and the planet Venus.

The Conquest (1519-1521)

• Hernán Cortés: Arrived in 1519, later capturing Montezuma II.

• Timeline of key events leading to the fall of Tenochtitlan in May 1521.