The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire

Introduction

• The Aztecs appeared suddenly and built a great empire centered around a magnificent city on a lake.
• Tenochtitlan was one of the largest cities globally, outshining anything seen by Europeans at that time.
• Aztec society was advanced with compulsory education for both boys and girls.
• Despite its progress, the empire had a dark side with cruel rituals.

The Arrival of the Spaniards

• In 1519, Hernán Cortés and 500 conquistadors landed in the Aztec Empire.
• Moctezuma, the Aztec ruler, received detailed reports about the Spanish from spies.
• Moctezuma initially welcomed the Spaniards, underestimating their threat.

The City of Tenochtitlan

• Tenochtitlan was a floating city with over 250,000 inhabitants.
• The city had advanced infrastructure including paved roads and a sophisticated market.
• The market was well-organized with state inspectors ensuring order.

Aztec Society

• The Aztec education system was well-developed and compulsory.
• Boys and girls had designated roles and tasks from a young age.
• The Aztecs had a strict justice system with severe punishments.

Human Sacrifice and Religion

• Human sacrifices were integral to Aztec religion, believed to nourish the gods.
• Discoveries of skull racks confirmed the extent of these sacrifices.
• Most victims were prisoners of war from conquered provinces.

The Fall of the Aztec Empire

• The Aztec Empire relied heavily on tributes from conquered territories.
• Hernán Cortés capitalized on local discontent and allied with Aztec enemies.
• After Moctezuma's death, the Spanish eventually besieged and conquered Tenochtitlan.

Legacy of the Aztecs

• The Spanish built Mexico City over the ruins of Tenochtitlan.
• Although the Aztec Empire fell, their cultural legacy endures in modern Mexico.
• The Aztec heritage is celebrated, as seen in the national flag and cultural practices like Día de los Muertos.

Conclusion

• The Aztec Empire was a powerful and sophisticated civilization cut short by Spanish conquest.
• Their achievements are remembered through historical records and cultural legacies.