LOS AZTECAS

What three cities are associated with theories about the Aztecas origin?

-Chicomoztoc (7 caves, inside each cave was a different town, one of which was the Aztecs) -Aztlán -Tenochtitlán

What was the social order?

-Gobernantes (origen divino), la aristocracia, nobles, sacerdotes, guerreros y sus descendientes -mercaderes, comerciantes, artesanos -campesinos -esclavos, cautivos (most came from other conquered towns, some were sacrificed)

What were the 3 levels of the universe?

-mundo celestial -mundo terrenal -inframundo

What were the 5 Soles?

1. mundo de los gigantes, destrucción por jaguares 2. destrucción por huracán, men became monkeys 3. destrucción por lluvia de fuego, men became birds 4. destrucción por diluvio, men became fish 5. believed it would end with an earthquake, this is coincidentally when the Spanish arrived

Between what centuries did their empire develop?

12th-16th (1200-1520 DC)- only lasted 300 years

In what ways were slaves used?

As laborers and as sacrifices, they were either actual Aztecas or prisoners of war.

How were comerciantes also used?

As spies!

Why did they do human sacrifices?

Because they thought if they didn't the darkness would take over and the world would end. Basically, it was a method of defeating the darkness. Originally, they believed that to create the sun, two gods were sacrificed. Thus, this is why they continued to sacrifice people.

How was the merit of a soldier determined?

By how many prisoners he'd captured for sacrifice.

Capulli?

Clan/comunidad

Who were soldiers of the sun?

Guerreros-jaguares

Who were soldiers of Tezcatlipoca (the god of the sky)?

Guerreros-águila

Where was Tenochtitlán built? What is it named after?

In the middle of a lake for defense, had moveable bridges for protection. Very sophisticated and wealthy city. Mexico City is built on top of it. The name of the city has its origin in UN CAUDILLO (un líder, Tenoch, was a founder of city).

What were the Aztecas called prior to the 14th century?

Mexicas or mexicanos.

Did they have animals?

No, the focus was on agriculture.

Were they located north or south of the Mayas?

North of them!

What were the different parts of la institución palacial?

Sala de justicia, economía, hacienda, y guerra.

Describe their art.

Sculptures of gods/leaders, lots of gold/silver and jewels, FEATHERS (headdresses for leaders, priests, soldiers, the colors of the feathers showed which social group you were from).

What two gods alternated in the 5 soles?

Started with Tezcatlipoca and then went to Quetzalcoatl.

What three cities formed the Triple Alliance for the Aztecs? Did this mean the Aztec empire was unified?

Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, Tlacopan. No, technically it was a federation governed by the alliance.

What is the key thing to know about the gods?

That they were taken from previous cultures like la Tolteca.

What was Tlaxcala?

The enemy city of the Aztecas that the Europeans allied with and used to help them conquer the Aztecas.

What was the importance of cocoa seeds?

They were used like money/currency.

What were chinampas?

Tierras flotantes, islitas que se usaban para cultivar.

What was the goal of las guerras flóridas?

To get more victims for sacrifices.

Where did the Aztecas originally live?

Tula. There they faced persecution and fled. Next established Tenochtitlán in 1325, then formed the triple alliance!

How many calendars did they have?

Two. -ritual de 260 días -cotidiano de 365 días

Did individual cities and provinces have autonomy?

Yes

Could you move up in the Aztec society?

Yes, it was a hierarchy but also a meritocracy, meaning you could move up with warlike activity.