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Aztec Empire 1200-1521. Geography. South-central Mexico Mountainous area The capital city was Tenochtitlan, an island in present day Mexico City. The Myth Behind Tenochtitlan.
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Geography • South-central Mexico • Mountainous area • The capital city was Tenochtitlan, an island in present day Mexico City
The Myth Behind Tenochtitlan • According to Aztec legend, in 1323, the Mexicas were shown a vision of an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, eating a snake. This vision indicated that this was the location where they were to build their home. • The Mexicas eventually arrived on a small swampy island in Lake Texcoco where they founded the town of Tenochtitlan in 1325.
Aztec Government • The Aztec Empire was very diverse including many ethnicities due to the amount of people conquered by the Aztecs • The empire did not directly rule over its conquered people and allowed local authorities to remain in control • The conquered people were only expected to pay a tribute tax to the Aztecs and if completed then they were left alone • Although conquered enemy soldiers were used as sacrifice in their rituals
Aztec Religion • The Aztecs were polytheistic and believed in over 100 gods • Their main god was the sun god, Huitzilopochtil • There also regular human sacrifices to appease the gods • Some people considered the sacrifice to be an honor
