Aztec Geography Chapter 1 Summary

Geographical Setting: What continent? What Landforms? What important Places?

The Aztecs lived in the north of Mexico. They arrived in 1325 to Tectnotilan which is now present day, Mexico City. They lived on a small lake island. Since of the very little space they turned swamps into their own. Their geography had a great impact on their culture because they had to adapt to their surroundings.

Political (Leadership, citizenship, decision-making institutions)

In 1502, Montezuma the 2nd became emperor in the Aztec community. During his time, he demanded that he would have more tribute, land, and victims for sacrifices. When he met with Hernan Cortes he was hoping to avoid war and be peaceful. This ended up of him going to prison.

Leaders: (Include Name, Time period and achievements)

Economics (Resources, production, needs, transportation, division of labor, technology, type of economy)

With their hard working, the Aztec made a new system of doing their crops. It was called the chinampas. Chinampas is when they used small, rectangular as their way of fertile land.

Social Order (customs, education, family life, class and caste, leisure activities, decision-making, gender roles)

All the classes had limited women’s roles. The pyramid went from nobles, artisans, commoners and slaves.

Belief Systems (Religions, myths, rituals

The boys taught religion. Religion dominated the Aztec society. The Aztec believed in over 1,000 different gods. Quetzalcoatl was the main god. He made blood sacrifices.

Aesthetics (Art, literature, music, dance, leisure activities, legacies to world culture)

They built unique large temples and palaces. They had two calendars, one for the crops and one for the