Aztec

Aztec

Aim: What caused the fall of the Aztec civilization?

Do Now: Aztec Worksheet

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The Aztec Civilization flourished from the late 1200's until the time of European conquest. The Aztecs established an empire that consisted of most of Mexico. They setup a strong, central government, and received tribute payments from many of their subject peoples. Similar to earlier Mesoamerican civilizations, the Aztecs were deeply religious. The practice of their religion included the building of large temples where human sacrifice took place.

Agriculture

Most people in the Aztec Empire were farmers. As their population increased, the Aztecs developed new ways of farming . To overcome a shortage of land, they developed chinampas, which were floating islands of land anchored to the lake bottom. On these islands, they grew corn, squash, and beans. The Aztecs also drained swamps to create good farmland, and experimented with a variety of fertilizers to make the most their land. A strong traditional economy enabled the Aztecs to build a large, powerful empire.

Achievements

• Aztec scientists developed an accurate calendar similar to the Mayan.
• Physicians were able to treat a variety of wounds and injuries, including setting broken bones and filling cavities in teeth.
• The Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan (present day Mexico City), was well designed and constructed. It included a large pyramid temple, aqueducts for water, and causeways for travel.
• Aztec art consisted of large stone carvings and colorful paintings.
• The Aztecs also setup schools for learning, and kept accurate records of their history.

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: Aztec Civilization

Lesson Video:Tenochtitlan - Aztecs

Classwork: Aztec Worksheet

Homework: Assignments