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The Aztecs

The Aztecs. Farming and Trade. Majority of citizens were farmers Crops included corn, squash, beans Vital to the success of the empire Traders maintained vast trading empire Used this to their advantage during military campaigns. Social Structure.

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The Aztecs

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  1. The Aztecs

  2. Farming and Trade • Majority of citizens were farmers • Crops included corn, squash, beans • Vital to the success of the empire • Traders maintained vast trading empire • Used this to their advantage during military campaigns

  3. Social Structure • Entire civilization ruled by single emperor • Noble class advises emperor • Officials, judges, and governors drawn from noble class • Warriors could advance to noble class • Traders were used as scouts to prepare for conquest • Most Aztec citizens were farmers • Slaves were criminals or conquered soldiers Emperor Nobles Priests Warriors Traders Farmers Slaves

  4. Religion • Priests led rituals and ceremonies • Huge pyramids built in cities to honor the sun god • Human sacrifice • Usually sacrificed captured soldiers

  5. Religion

  6. Decline • The Conquistadors • Disease • Gunpowder • Hernan Cortes • Landed in Mexico in 1519 • 600 men, 16 horses, and a few cannons • Moctezuma • Sent gold to Cortes but asked them to leave • Tenochtitlan falls in 1521

  7. Contributions • Architecture and Engineering • Capital at Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City) • Began as two small islands in Lake Texcoco • Engineers filled in parts of the lake and built causeways to connect the city to the mainland • Contained huge pyramids, temples, palaces, and outdoor markets

  8. Contributions • Agriculture • Converted swampy land into fertile farmland • Chiampas – man-made islands in the middle of Lake Texcoco • Learning and Science • Developed accurate calendar • Built schools • Had a recorded history • Advanced medical practices

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