Aztec Empire: A Brief Overview
The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in Mesoamerica, the region of Mexico and Central America before the Spanish conquest. The Aztecs ruled over a vast territory from the early 14th century to 1521 CE, when their capital city, Tenochtitlan, was captured by a Spanish-led coalition of native allies. The Aztecs were known for their complex social, political, religious, and economic organization, as well as their remarkable achievements in art, literature, science, engineering, and education. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, decline, and legacy of this fascinating civilization.
What was the Aztec Empire and when did it exist?
The Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. These cities formed a triple alliance in 1428 CE to defeat their common enemy, the Tepanec state of Azcapotzalco. The alliance then embarked on a series of wars of expansion, conquering or subjugating hundreds of other city-states in central Mexico and beyond. By the early 16th century, the Aztec Empire covered an area of about 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 square miles) and had a population of about 11 million people. The empire was divided into provinces that paid tribute to the alliance in various forms: food, goods, labor, or captives for sacrifice.
aztec empire
What was the origin and meaning of the name "Aztec"?
The name "Aztec" is not what the people called themselves. It is derived from "Aztlán", which means "white land" or "place of herons" in Nahuatl, the language spoken by most Aztecs. Aztlán was the mythical homeland of the Aztecs, located somewhere in northern Mexico or southwestern United States. The Aztecs believed that they were descendants of a group of nomadic warriors who left Aztlán in search of a new home. The name "Aztec" was first used by Europeans to refer to these people who came from Aztlán.
The Aztecs called themselves "Mexica" (pronounced me-SHEE-ka), which means "people from Mexihco". Mexihco was another name for Tenochtitlan, their capital city. Mexihco comes from "Metztliapan", which means "moon lake" in Nahuatl. This refers to Lake Texcoco, where Tenochtitlan was built on an island. The name "Mexico" for the modern country is derived from "Mexica".
What was the main source of information about the Aztec civilization?
The main source of information about the Aztec civilization is a collection of documents known as codices. Codices are books made from bark paper or animal skin that were painted with pictographs or glyphs. The codices contain information about various aspects. of the Aztec civilization, such as history, religion, calendar, astronomy, medicine, art, and warfare. Some of the codices were made by the Aztecs themselves before the Spanish conquest, while others were made by native scribes under Spanish supervision after the conquest. Some of the most famous codices are the Codex Mendoza, the Codex Borgia, the Codex Borbonicus, and the Florentine Codex.
How did the Aztecs migrate to the Valley of Mexico and found their capital city, Tenochtitlan?
The Aztecs were originally a nomadic tribe that migrated from Aztlán to the Valley of Mexico around the 12th century CE. They settled in various places around the valley, but they were often oppressed or expelled by other groups. According to their legend, they received a sign from their patron god, Huitzilopochtli, who told them to look for an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. This was the place where they should build their new home. In 1325 CE, they found this sign on a small island in Lake Texcoco. They named their city Tenochtitlan, which means "place of the prickly pear cactus".
Tenochtitlan soon became a powerful and prosperous city, thanks to its strategic location and ingenious engineering. The Aztecs built causeways, bridges, canals, aqueducts, and chinampas (artificial islands) to connect and expand their city. They also built magnificent temples, palaces, markets, and schools. Tenochtitlan was admired by many visitors for its beauty and order. It had a population of about 200,000 people at its peak, making it one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
How did they form a triple alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan and expand their empire through conquest and tribute?
In 1428 CE, Tenochtitlan formed a triple alliance with two other city-states: Texcoco and Tlacopan. The alliance was led by Tenochtitlan, which provided most of the military force and leadership. Texcoco was in charge of legal and cultural affairs, while Tlacopan was a junior partner that received a smaller share of the spoils. The alliance aimed to unify and dominate the Valley of Mexico and beyond.
The alliance waged war against other city-states that resisted their rule or refused to pay tribute. Tribute was a form of tax that consisted of various goods and services, such as food, textiles, gold, jade, feathers, animals, slaves, or warriors for sacrifice. The tribute system enriched and supported the alliance, as well as ensured their loyalty and obedience. The alliance also established trade routes and diplomatic relations with other regions and cultures.
By the early 16th century, the alliance controlled most of central Mexico and parts of southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The empire had about 38 provinces that paid tribute to the alliance. The empire was not a centralized or unified state, but rather a loose confederation of diverse and autonomous city-states that shared a common culture and religion.
Aztec Empire history and culture
Aztec Empire timeline and map
Aztec Empire religion and mythology
Aztec Empire art and architecture
Aztec Empire social and political structure
Aztec Empire economy and trade
Aztec Empire warfare and conquest
Aztec Empire decline and fall
Aztec Empire legacy and influence
Aztec Empire facts and trivia
Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire
Texcoco, the cultural center of the Aztec Empire
Tlacopan, the military ally of the Aztec Empire
Triple Alliance, the formal name of the Aztec Empire
Lake Texcoco, the location of the Aztec Empire
Valley of Mexico, the region of the Aztec Empire
Mesoamerica, the cultural area of the Aztec Empire
Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire
Mexica, the ethnic group of the Aztec Empire
Culhua-Mexica, the self-name of the Aztec Empire
Chichimec, the origin of the Aztec Empire
Toltec, the predecessors of the Aztec Empire
Tula, the ruined city of the Toltecs
Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god of the Toltecs and Aztecs
Huitzilopochtli, the patron god of the Mexica and Aztecs
Tezcatlipoca, the rival god of Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli
Tlaloc, the rain god of the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures
Xipe Totec, the flayed god of fertility and sacrifice
Coatlicue, the earth goddess and mother of Huitzilopochtli
Tonatiuh, the sun god and symbol of the Aztec Empire
Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan and center of Aztec religion
Chinampas, the floating gardens of Tenochtitlan and other lake cities
Calpulli, the basic social unit of the Aztecs based on kinship and occupation
Tlatoani, the ruler or king of an Aztec city-state or altepetl
Huey Tlatoani, the supreme ruler or emperor of the Aztec Empire
Pipiltin, the nobility or upper class of the Aztecs who held political and religious offices
Macehualtin, the commoners or lower class of the Aztecs who worked as farmers, artisans, merchants, etc.
Tlacotin, the slaves or lowest class of the Aztecs who were either prisoners of war or debtors
Pochteca, the long-distance traders or merchants of the Aztecs who also served as spies and diplomats
Tlamemes, the porters or carriers who transported goods for trade or tribute in Mesoamerica
Cacao beans, a form of currency and luxury item in Mesoamerica used by the Aztecs and others
Quachtli, another form of currency in Mesoamerica made from cotton cloth used by the Aztecs and others
Tribute system, a form of taxation imposed by the Aztecs on their conquered provinces or tributaries
Flower wars, a ritualized form of warfare practiced by the Aztecs and their enemies to obtain captives for sacrifice
Human sacrifice, a religious practice performed by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures to appease their gods
Codex Mendoza, a pictorial document that depicts various aspects of Aztec history and culture
Codex Borgia, a ritual almanac that illustrates various deities and ceremonies of Mesoamerican cosmology
Codex Borbonicus, a divinatory calendar that shows various festivals and rituals of Mesoamerican timekeeping
Codex Boturini, a historical narrative that traces the migration and foundation of Tenochtitlan by Mexica ancestors.
How did they interact with other Mesoamerican cultures and civilizations?
The Aztecs were not isolated from other Mesoamerican cultures and civilizations. They inherited and adopted many elements from previous civilizations, such as the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltec, and Zapotec civilizations. The Aztecs borrowed and adapted many aspects of these cultures, such as writing, calendar, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, art, and religion. The Aztecs also traded and interacted with other contemporary civilizations, such as the Tarascans, the Mixtecs, the Huastecs, and the Tlaxcalans. The Aztecs were not always on friendly terms with their neighbors; they often fought wars or formed alliances for political or economic reasons.
What was the social structure and hierarchy of the Aztec society?
The Aztec society was divided into several classes or groups, each with different rights and responsibilities. The social hierarchy was based on a combination of birth, occupation, and merit. The main classes were:
The pipiltin (nobles), who were the ruling elite of the empire. They inherited their status from their ancestors or earned it through military or religious service. They held high positions in the government, the army, the priesthood, or the judiciary. They owned large estates and had many privileges and exemptions.
The macehualtin (commoners), who were the majority of the population. They were free citizens who worked as farmers, artisans, merchants, or warriors. They paid tribute and taxes to the state and the nobles, and had to perform military or public service when required. They had some rights and protections under the law, but also some restrictions and obligations.
The tlacotin (slaves), who were the lowest class of the society. They were either prisoners of war, criminals, debtors, or people who sold themselves into slavery. They had no rights or freedoms, and were subject to their masters' will. They could be bought, sold, or sacrificed. However, they could also earn their freedom by paying off their debt, escaping from captivity, or performing a heroic deed.
Within these classes, there were also other subdivisions based on gender, age, occupation, or ethnicity. For example, women had different roles and expectations than men; children had different stages of education and initiation; warriors had different ranks and honors; merchants had different guilds and regulations; and foreigners had different statuses and treatments.
What was the role of religion and human sacrifice in the Aztec worldview?
Religion was a central and pervasive aspect of the Aztec worldview. The Aztecs believed in a complex and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with different attributes, functions, and associations. Some of the most important deities were Huitzilopochtli (the god of war and sun), Tezcatlipoca (the god of fate and night), Quetzalcoatl (the god of wind and wisdom), Tlaloc (the god of rain and fertility), Xipe Totec (the god of spring and renewal), Coatlicue (the goddess of earth and motherhood), Tonatiuh (the god of the fifth sun), and Xochiquetzal (the goddess of love and beauty).
The Aztecs practiced various forms of worship and rituals to honor and appease their gods. These included prayers, offerings, festivals, dances, music, Maya, Toltec, and Zapotec civilizations. The Aztecs borrowed and adapted many aspects of these cultures, such as writing, calendar, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, art, and religion. The Aztecs also traded and interacted with other contemporary civilizations, such as the Tarascans, the Mixtecs, the Huastecs, and the Tlaxcalans. The Aztecs were not always on friendly terms with their neighbors; they often fought wars or formed alliances for political or economic reasons.
What was the social structure and hierarchy of the Aztec society?
The Aztec society was divided into several classes or groups, each with different rights and responsibilities. The social hierarchy was based on a combination of birth, occupation, and merit. The main classes were:
The pipiltin (nobles), who were the ruling elite of the empire. They inherited their status from their ancestors or earned it through military or religious service. They held high positions in the government, the army, the priesthood, or the judiciary. They owned large estates and had many privileges and exemptions.
The macehualtin (commoners), who were the majority of the population. They were free citizens who worked as farmers, artisans, merchants, or warriors. They paid tribute and taxes to the state and the nobles, and had to perform military or public service when required. They had some rights and protections under the law, but also some restrictions and obligations.
The tlacotin (slaves), who were the lowest class of the society. They were either prisoners of war, criminals, debtors, or people who sold themselves into slavery. They had no rights or freedoms, and were subject to their masters' will. They could be bought, sold, or sacrificed. However, they could also earn their freedom by paying off their debt, escaping from captivity, or performing a heroic deed.
Within these classes, there were also other subdivisions based on gender, age, occupation, or ethnicity. For example, women had different roles and expectations than men; children had different stages of education and initiation; warriors had different ranks and honors; merchants had different guilds and regulations; and foreigners had different statuses and treatments.
What was the role of religion and human sacrifice in the Aztec worldview?
Religion was a central and pervasive aspect of the Aztec worldview. The Aztecs believed in a complex and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with different attributes, functions, and associations. Some of the most important deities were Huitzilopochtli (the god of war and sun), Tezcatlipoca (the god of fate and night), Quetzalcoatl (the god of wind and wisdom), Tlaloc (the god of rain and fertility), Xipe Totec (the god of spring and renewal), Coatlicue (the goddess of earth and motherhood), Tonatiuh (the god of the fifth sun), and Xochiquetzal (the goddess of love and beauty).
The Aztecs practiced various forms of worship and rituals to honor and appease their gods. These included prayers, offerings, festivals, dances, music,. and ceremonies. The most controversial and notorious form of worship was human sacrifice. The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice was necessary to nourish and honor the gods, who in turn would ensure the continuity of the world, the sun, the rain, and the harvests. Human sacrifice was also a way of expressing gratitude, paying debts, or expiating sins.
The victims of human sacrifice were usually prisoners of war, slaves, criminals, or volunteers. They were often dressed and treated as the gods they were sacrificed to. The most common method of sacrifice was heart extraction. The victim was taken to the top of a temple, where a priest would cut open his chest with an obsidian knife and rip out his still-beating heart. The heart was then burned in a sacred fire or offered to a statue of the god. The body was then thrown down the temple stairs or given to the captor or the community for disposal. Other methods of sacrifice included decapitation, burning, drowning, flaying, or arrow-shooting.
The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a large scale. Some estimates suggest that they sacrificed about 20,000 people per year, while others suggest that they sacrificed more than 80,000 people in a single ceremony in 1487 CE. The exact number of victims is unknown and debated by scholars. However, it is clear that human sacrifice was a significant and integral part of the Aztec religion and culture.
What were the achievements and contributions of the Aztecs in art, literature, science, engineering, and education?
The Aztecs were not only warriors and priests, but also artists, writers, scientists, engineers, and educators. They created a rich and sophisticated culture that reflected their worldview and values. Some of their achievements and contributions were:
Art: The Aztecs produced various forms of art, such as sculptures, paintings, murals, mosaics, pottery, jewelry, featherwork, and codices. They used materials such as stone, wood, clay, gold, silver, jade, turquoise, obsidian, shells, and feathers. They depicted their gods, rulers, warriors, animals, and ceremonies. The most controversial and notorious form of worship was human sacrifice. The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice was necessary to nourish and honor the gods, who in turn would ensure the continuity of the world, the sun, the rain, and the harvests. Human sacrifice was also a way of expressing gratitude, paying debts, or expiating sins.
The victims of human sacrifice were usually prisoners of war, slaves, criminals, or volunteers. They were often dressed and treated as the gods they were sacrificed to. The most common method of sacrifice was heart extraction. The victim was taken to the top of a temple, where a priest would cut open his chest with an obsidian knife and rip out his still-beating heart. The heart was then burned in a sacred fire or offered to a statue of the god. The body was then thrown down the temple stairs or given to the captor or the community for disposal. Other methods of sacrifice included decapitation, burning, drowning, flaying, or arrow-shooting.
The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a large scale. Some estimates suggest that they sacrificed about 20,000 people per year, while others suggest that they sacrificed more than 80,000 people in a single ceremony in 1487 CE. The exact number of victims is unknown and debated by scholars. However, it is clear that human sacrifice was a significant and integral part of the Aztec religion and culture.
What were the achievements and contributions of the Aztecs in art, literature, science, engineering, and education?
The Aztecs were not only warriors and priests, but also artists, writers, scientists, engineers, and educators. They created a rich and sophisticated culture that reflected their worldview and values. Some of their achievements and contributions were:
Art: The Aztecs produced various forms of art, such as sculptures, paintings, murals, mosaics, pottery, jewelry, featherwork, and codices. They used materials such as stone, wood, clay, gold, silver, jade, turquoise, obsidian, shells, and feathers. They depicted their gods, rulers, warriors, animals,. and plants in realistic or symbolic ways. They also used art as a way of recording their history and culture. Some of the most famous examples of Aztec art are the Sun Stone, the Coyolxauhqui Stone, the Templo Mayor, and the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan.
Literature: The Aztecs had a rich and diverse oral and written literature, composed of poems, songs, stories, myths, legends, histories, and codices. They used a pictographic writing system that combined images and symbols to convey meaning. They also used a phonetic writing system that used glyphs to represent sounds. They wrote on bark paper, animal skin, or stone. Some of the most notable genres of Aztec literature are the huehuetlatolli (wise sayings), the xochitl cuicatl (flower songs), the tlacotzontli (riddles), and the tlamatinime (philosophical discourses). Some of the most famous authors of Aztec literature are Nezahualcoyotl, Netzahualpilli, Ayocuan Cuetzpaltzin, and Bernardino de Sahagún.
Science: The Aztecs had a keen interest and knowledge of various fields of science, such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, botany, zoology, and geography. They observed and recorded the movements of the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars. They developed a complex and accurate calendar system that consisted of two cycles: a 365-day solar cycle and a 260-day ritual cycle. They used a base-20 number system that used dots and bars to represent units and groups. They also used zero as a placeholder. They practiced various forms of medicine that combined natural remedies, surgery, and magic. They identified and classified hundreds of plants and animals for their medicinal, nutritional, or ritual purposes. They also made maps and codices that depicted their lands and resources.
Engineering: The Aztecs were skilled and innovative engineers who built impressive structures and systems that adapted to their environment and needs. They built temples, pyramids, palaces, markets, schools, aqueducts, [assistant](#message) causeways, bridges, canals, and chinampas. They used materials such as stone, wood, clay, lime, reeds, and rubber. They also used tools such as axes, hammers, chisels, saws, drills, ropes, pulleys, and levers. They designed and constructed their buildings with mathematical precision and aesthetic beauty. They also incorporated hydraulic and acoustic features into their engineering projects.
Education: The Aztecs valued education and learning for both boys and girls. They had two types of schools: the telpochcalli (house of youth) and the calmecac (house of lineage). The telpochcalli was for commoners who learned basic skills such as farming, trading, or warfare. The calmecac was for nobles who learned advanced skills such as writing, arithmetic, astronomy, history, or priesthood. Both schools also taught moral values, religious doctrines, social etiquette, and physical fitness. The teachers were called tlatimani (wise men) or tlatlacamani (counselors). The students were expected to be obedient, respectful, diligent, and humble.
How did the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés affect the Aztec Empire?
The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 CE marked the beginning of the end of the Aztec Empire. Cortés landed on the coast of Veracruz with about 600 men, 11 horses, 14 cannons, and some native allies. He was looking for gold, glory, and adventure. He also claimed to represent the king of Spain and the Catholic Church. He heard about the Aztec Empire and its riches, and decided to march towards Tenochtitlan.
Along the way, he encountered and fought with various native groups. Some of them joined him as allies, such as the Tlaxcalans, who hated the Aztecs. Others resisted him, such as the Cholulans, who were massacred by the Spaniards. Cortés also learned about the political and religious situation of the Aztec Empire. He realized that he could use his advantage of being mistaken for Quetzalcoatl, a god who was prophesied to return from the east.
In November 1519, Cortés and his men reached Tenochtitlan and were welcomed by the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II. Moctezuma was curious and cautious about the strangers, and hoped to appease them with gifts and hospitality. However, Cortés soon took Moctezuma hostage and demanded more gold and tribute from the Aztecs. He also tried to convert them to Christianity and destroy their idols.
In June 1520, a rebellion broke out in Tenochtitlan, sparked by a massacre of Aztec nobles by the Spaniards during a religious festival. The Aztecs attacked the Spaniards and their allies, who were forced to flee the city in a bloody retreat known as the "Noche Triste" (Sad Night). Many Spaniards and natives died or were captured and sacrificed by the Aztecs.
Cortés regrouped his forces and received more reinforcements from Spain and his native allies. He also spread diseases such as smallpox among the Aztecs, who had no immunity to them. He then besieged Tenochtitlan for several months, cutting off its supplies and access to water. He also attacked the city from different directions with boats, cannons, horses, and infantry.
In August 1521, after a fierce and brutal resistance, Tenochtitlan fell to the Spaniards and their allies. The city was looted, burned, and destroyed. Moctezuma had died earlier in captivity, and his successor, Cuauhtemoc, was captured and tortured. The Aztec Empire was effectively overthrown by the Spanish conquest.
What were the main factors that led to the fall of Tenochtitlan and the end of the Aztec civilization?
The fall of Tenochtitlan and the end of the Aztec civilization were caused by a combination of factors that favored the Spaniards over the Aztecs. Some of these factors were:
Military technology: The Spaniards had superior weapons and armor than the Aztecs. They had steel swords, guns, cannons, [assistant](#message) horses, dogs, and ships. The Aztecs had obsidian blades, spears, slingshots, bows and arrows, and canoes. The Spaniards also had better tactics and strategies than the Aztecs. They used formations, ambushes, sieges, and naval attacks. The Aztecs relied on mass charges, hand-to-hand combat, and ritual warfare.
Native allies: The Spaniards had thousands of native allies who helped them fight against the Aztecs. These allies provided them with warriors, guides, translators, porters, food, water, shelter, and information. They also shared their hatred and resentment of the Aztecs, who had oppressed or exploited them for years. The Aztecs had few or no allies who supported them against the Spaniards. They were isolated and surrounded by enemies.
Diseases: The Spaniards brought diseases such as smallpox, measles, typhus, influenza, and malaria to Mexico. These diseases killed millions of natives who had no immunity or cure for them. The diseases weakened the Aztec population and army, as well as disrupted their social and political organization. The diseases also spread fear and despair among the Aztecs, who saw them as a sign of divine wrath or punishment.
Religion: The Spaniards had a different religion than the Aztecs. They were Christians who believed in one God who sent his son Jesus Christ to save humanity from sin. They also believed that they had a duty to convert or eliminate other religions that they considered pagan or idolatrous. The Aztecs were polytheists who believed in many gods who controlled different aspects of nature and life. They also believed that they had a duty to worship and feed their gods with human blood and hearts. The Spaniards used religion as a justification for their conquest and colonization of the Aztecs. The Aztecs used religion as a source of identity and resistance against the Spaniards. The Spaniards exploited the religious differences and conflicts among the Aztecs and their neighbors. The Spaniards also manipulated the Aztec prophecy of Quetzalcoatl to gain access and influence over the Aztec emperor and people.
What was the legacy and impact of the Aztecs on Mexico and the world?
The Aztecs left a lasting and profound legacy and impact on Mexico and the world. Despite their destruction and colonization by the Spaniards, the Aztecs did not disappear or assimilate completely. They survived and resisted in various ways, such as rebellions, revolts, migrations, or alliances. They also preserved and transmitted their culture and heritage through oral and written traditions, art and crafts, music and dance, rituals and ceremonies, and languages and names.
The Aztecs influenced and enriched the Mexican culture and identity, as well as other cultures and regions. They contributed to the diversity and complexity of the Mexican society, politics, economy, religion, and art. They also shared their knowledge and achievements with the world, such as their calendar, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, botany, zoology, geography, engineering, education, literature, and codices.
The Aztecs also inspired and challenged many people throughout history and today. They fascinated and intrigued explorers, historians, archaeologists, artists, writers, scholars, activists, and tourists. They also provoked and questioned issues such as human rights, cultural diversity, social justice, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Aztec Empire was one of the most remarkable civilizations in history. The Aztecs created a complex and sophisticated society that was based on a balance between war and peace, order and chaos, life and death. The Aztecs achieved great things in various fields of human endeavor, such as art, [assistant](#message) literature, science, engineering, and education. The Aztecs also faced great challenges and tragedies in their history, such as wars, diseases, conquests, and colonization. The Aztecs left a lasting legacy and impact on Mexico and the world that is still visible and relevant today.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the Aztec Empire. I invite you to learn more about this fascinating civilization by reading other sources or visiting museums or sites related to them. I also invite you to share your thoughts or questions about this topic in the comments section below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Aztec Empire:
What did the Aztecs eat?
The Aztecs ate a variety of foods that they cultivated or obtained from their environment. Their staple food was maize (corn), which they cooked into tortillas, tamales, [assistant](#message) atole (a drink), or pozole (a soup). They also ate beans, squash, chilies, tomatoes, avocados, cacao (chocolate), amaranth, chia seeds, and nopal (cactus). They also ate meat from animals such as turkeys, dogs, rabbits, ducks, deer, and fish. They also ate insects such as grasshoppers, ants, and worms.
How did the Aztecs dress?
The Aztecs dressed according to their social class, gender, age, and occasion. The commoners wore simple clothes made from cotton or maguey fibers. The men wore loincloths and capes, while the women wore skirts and blouses. The nobles wore more elaborate clothes made from fine cotton or feathers. They also wore jewelry made from gold, silver, jade, turquoise, or shells. They also wore headdresses made from feathers or flowers. The warriors wore leather or cotton armor decorated with feathers or animal skins. They also wore helmets made from wood or metal shaped like animals or gods.
How did the Aztecs play?
The Aztecs played various games for fun or ritual purposes. One of their most famous games was tlachtli, a ball game that resembled soccer or basketball. The game was played on a rectangular court with stone rings on each side. The players had to hit a rubber ball with their hips or elbows through the rings without letting it touch the ground. The game was very competitive and sometimes violent. The winners were rewarded with prizes or honors, while the losers were sometimes sacrificed to the gods.
How did the Aztecs write?
The Az The Aztecs wrote using a pictographic writing system that combined images and symbols to convey meaning. They also used a phonetic writing system that used glyphs to represent sounds. They wrote on bark paper, animal skin, or stone. Some of the most notable genres of Aztec literature are the huehuetlatolli (wise sayings), the xochitl cuicatl (flower songs), the tlacotzontli (riddles), and the tlamatinime (philosophical discourses). Some of the most famous authors of Aztec literature are Nezahualcoyotl, Netzahualpilli, Ayocuan Cuetzpaltzin, and Bernardino de Sahagún.
How did the Aztecs count?
The Aztecs counted using a base-20 number system that used dots and bars to represent units and groups. They also used zero as a placeholder. For example, one dot represented one, two dots represented two, one bar represented five, two bars represented ten, and so on. To represent numbers higher than 20, they used a positional system that stacked the symbols vertically. For example, one dot over one bar represented six times twenty, or 120. To represent fractions, they used a horizontal line to separate the whole number from the fraction. For example, one dot over one bar over a horizontal line over three dots represented 120 and three twentieths, or 120.15.
44f88ac181