Aztecs Chapter 7 Flashcards
Define Aztecs.
Name given to the civilization created by a nomadic tribe (the Mexica) who settled in the Valley of Mexico during the 15th century.
Define aqueduct.
A channel used to move water, usually supported on a bridge structure when it had to cross a valley.
Define chinampas.
Floating islands built in the water around Tenochtitlan to grow crops.
Define tribute.
Valuable gifts and taxes collected by the Aztecs from a conquered group or city.
Define compulsory.
Required by law.
What is the place where the Aztecs were called today?
Modern-day Mexico.
Where is Mexico?
In North America, along with the USA and Canada.
Where are Mexican borders?
Mexico borders two coastlines and three countries.
How were mountains viewed by the Aztecs?
As sacred or holy sites.
Why were mountains viewed as sacred/holy sites?
They brought people physically closer to the gods.
What were the worlds of the Aztecs? (2)
- Physical.
2. Sacred.
What was the relationship between the physical and sacred worlds of the Aztecs?
They were closely connected.
How were Aztec temples shaped? Why?
Aztec temples were pyramid in shape so as to resemble mountains.
What was Tenochtitlan surrounded by?
Mountains.
How did the Aztecs feel about being surrounded by mountains? Why?
They gave the Aztecs a sense of security. The mountains protected the people from invasions.
What havoc did mountains wreak upon the Aztecs? (2)
- Steep mountains mean rainstorms. That can cause flash floods in low-lying areas.
- Mountains can keep out the clouds; meaning that not enough freshwater was available to survive.
What was the solution for flash floods caused by mountains?
Earthen dam - kept water out.
What was the solution for the lack of fresh water caused by mountains?
Aqueducts - bring fresh water in from underground springs.
Which god led the Aztecs to Tenochtitlan in Lake Texcoco?
Huitzilopochtli.
Why was Lake Texcoco less than ideal? (3)
The island of Tenochtitlan was small, swampy, and the water salty.
Why did the Aztecs stay in Tenochtitlan even though it was not a good living environment?
Religion was extremely important to them, so they trusted their god and the decision to establish a civilization on the small island.
How did the Aztecs make use of Tenochtitlan being an island?
It was surrounded by water. Causeways were built to connect the island and mainland. These bridges could be easily destroyed when invaders were spotted to prevent them from arriving on the island.
What connected the island and mainland?
Causeways.
What was the earthen dam good for? (2)
Kept water out (floods) and helped to separate the saltwater from the freshwater.
What were the chinampas used for?
Agricultural needs; to grow crops.
What did the creation of the chinampas do?
It greatly expanded Tenochtitlan.
What were the steps to building chinampas? (3)
- Drive stakes into lakebed in a rectangular shape.
- Lay down reed mats, cover with soil.
- Repeat process until you have a thick “sandwich” of mud and mat layers and mats rise above water level.
What did farmers grow on chinampas? (3)
Farmers planted flowers, vegetables and medicinal herbs.
How was labour in agriculture done?
By hand.
How did farmers acces the chinampas?
By canoe.
How did the Aztecs think of the different gods?
The gods controlled every aspect of their lives; they looked to the gods for signs on how to live. They believed in many gods, but some gods were more important than others.
What did Huitzilopochtli do?
Encouraged his people to leave their homeland and settle in Tenochtitlan.
What did Huitzilopochtli require? What for?
The blood of a sacrificial victim to give him the strength to overcome the night’s darkness/evil (survive Tezcatlipoca).