AIM: How did the Aztecs build a great Empire?

Do Now: What are the advantages to living in the city below?

HW: In a paragraph describe what your impression of the Aztec empire would be if you could go back in time and walk through one of their cities.

The Aztecs 1200-1521

I. Geography 1. South-central Mexico A. Mountainous area. 2. Tenochtitlan: Capital city A. Island in present day Mexico City. B. Chinampas: floating gardens II. Conquering Principals 1. Conquered people could govern themselves. A. Had to pay tribute (tax) 2. Enemy Soldiers were used as sacrifice. III. Religion 1. Polytheistic Over 1000 gods. A. Huitzilopochtli Sun God i. Human sacrifice

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What tradition from Aztec society is being depicted in this illustration?

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Why was human sacrifice needed according to Aztec beliefs?

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What advantages did Aztec society have over other Mesoamerican civilization?

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Why did warriors dress themselves in animal costumes in many cultures?

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How was the tribute system both a strength and a weakness? How are the army & religious beliefs linked in the Aztec Empire? How did human sacrifice hurt the Aztec Empire?