Aztec civilisation

Main thing

The Aztec civilization was a powerful empire in central and southern Mexico in the 15th and early 16th centuries. They were skilled in agriculture, art, and architecture, and their society was based on a system of alliances and conquests. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals. The empire eventually fell to the Spanish in 1521. An example of the Aztec civilization in real life is the ruins of their capital city, Tenochtitlán, which now lies beneath modern-day Mexico City.

Terms

• Aztec Civilization: A powerful empire in central and southern Mexico in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Example: The Aztec civilization was known for its impressive architecture and art.

• Tenochtitlán: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on two islands in Lake Texcoco. Example: Tenochtitlán was a large and bustling city with many temples, palaces, and gardens.

• Chinampas: Artificial island farms constructed by the Aztecs for agriculture. Example: Chinampas were used to grow crops like maize, beans, and squash.

• Human Sacrifice: A religious practice of the Aztecs where they would sacrifice humans to their gods. Example: During the dedication of a new temple, thousands of prisoners of war were sacrificed at the altar.

An analogy

Explaining the Aztec civilization is like describing a once-thriving city that has been buried beneath a modern metropolis. The ruins of Tenochtitlán, now hidden under Mexico City, represent the remnants of a powerful and complex society that was ultimately conquered and replaced by another culture.

A main misconception

A common misconception about the Aztec civilization is that they were a primitive and barbaric society due to their practice of human sacrifice. However, the Aztecs were actually highly advanced in many areas, such as agriculture, art, and architecture, and their empire was built on a sophisticated system of alliances and conquests.

The history

The Aztec civilization originated from a tribe of hunters and gatherers on the northern Mexican plateau. They migrated into Mesoamerica around the 12th century, possibly following the collapse of the Toltec civilization. The Aztecs established their capital city, Tenochtitlán, in 1325 and formed the Triple Alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan in the early 15th century. The empire expanded through conquests and alliances until it was conquered by the Spanish in 1521. A famous quote related to the Aztec civilization is from Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who said, "We Spaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure."

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Studying the Aztec civilization can help us understand the complexities of ancient societies and their impact on modern cultures. The main benefits of using this knowledge are gaining a deeper appreciation for history and learning from the successes and failures of past civilizations.

2. Architects and urban planners can study the design and layout of Tenochtitlán to gain insights into efficient city planning and the use of natural resources. The main benefits of using this knowledge are creating sustainable and functional urban environments that can support large populations.

3. Anthropologists and sociologists can analyze the Aztec civilization's social structure, religious practices, and cultural traditions to better understand human behavior and societal development. The main benefits of using this knowledge are identifying patterns and trends in human societies and applying these insights to contemporary issues.

Interesting facts

• The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, was built on two islands in Lake Texcoco and was connected to the mainland by several causeways.

• The Aztecs constructed artificial island farms called chinampas, which allowed them to grow crops in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for agriculture.

• The Aztec Empire was established through a series of alliances and conquests, with local leaders of conquered states allowed to govern with some autonomy.

• The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, with thousands of prisoners of war sometimes sacrificed during temple dedications.

• The fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521 marked the end of the last great civilization of Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Europeans.