Aztecs
Location
The Aztec empire was located in Central Mexico. Their capitol city, Tenochtitlan, stood where the current Mexico City is. It is on an island in the middle of lake Texcoco. The only way to get to the city was by boat! Why would this be advantageous for the Aztecs?
Social Order
Aztec Society had a very specific social order. Look at this diagram. Why do you think warriors were so highly regarded?
Men and women also had separate jobs from each other. While men could do any of the jobs specified in the diagram, all women did the same things. It was their job to care for the children, manage the house, and cook. Is this similar to any other civilization or society you've studied? The Aztecs also kept slaves. What kinds of work do you think the slaves did? |
Religious Ceremonies
The bath was very important to the Aztecs. They believed that it did not just keep them physically clean, but also spiritually clean. Many homes had a steam room attached for this very purpose. Can you think of any religions that have similar methods of spiritual purification?
Another important part of Aztec religious ceremonies was human sacrifice. They would cut out the hearts of prisoners because they believed that human hearts and blood strengthened the gods.
Because farming was such an important part of the Aztec economy, there were many gods devoted to harvesting and planting. The Aztecs had many ceremonies in honor of these gods, hoping it would result in a good harvest that year. The Gods were so important to the Aztecs, that their entire lives were centered around trying to please them.
Another important part of Aztec religious ceremonies was human sacrifice. They would cut out the hearts of prisoners because they believed that human hearts and blood strengthened the gods.
Because farming was such an important part of the Aztec economy, there were many gods devoted to harvesting and planting. The Aztecs had many ceremonies in honor of these gods, hoping it would result in a good harvest that year. The Gods were so important to the Aztecs, that their entire lives were centered around trying to please them.
Education
Aztecs believed that education was very important. They taught both boys and girls from a very young age. Fathers would teach their sons and mothers would teach their daughters. Boys were taught arts and crafts, and girls were taught household skills, like cooking.