The Aztecs The people of the Sun

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The AztecsThe people of the Sun

• By Tarka Gonzalez

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What did the Aztecs build?

• The Aztecs built Temples
• The Aztec pyramids were built one on top
• of other. The Pyramid of the Sun
• Had three smaller pyramids built underneath its
• structure
• The Aztecs had their sculptures-The sculpture
  below was used for Aztec ritual

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Where was the Aztec Empire located?

• The Aztec empire was located in central valley of
  Mexico.
• Mexico city is built upon the ancient ruins of
  Tenochtitlan

http//www.allempires.com/empires/aztec/aztec1.htm
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What was Aztec society like?

• Aztec were controlled by the emperor
• The Aztec was a warlike state
• society was based on warrior system
• rank based on amount of prisoners taken
• Human sacrifice to the sun god was essential for
  Aztec existence
• Dependant on conquered tribes for tribute and
  prisoners for sacrifice
• They were farmers
• They ate maize, camote (sweet potato), chocolate,
  vanilla beans, potatoes, chili peppers, cocoa
  beans, avocadoes, and small game such as turkeys
  and wild dogs

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So what happened to the Aztecs?

• Aztecs were invaded by the Spanish in 1519.
• Emperor Motechzuma Xoyotzin had mistaken Cortez
  as Quetzalcoatl, a white god that was suppose to
  come from the east.
• The Spanish with the use of superior weapons and
  the alliance of rival tribes defeated and
  destroyed the Aztec empire in 1521.
• Many Aztecs died of disease such as small pox.
• Many were forced to abandoned their pagan
  religion and were forced to embrace Christianity

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Aztec legacy

• Many people still eat their foods
• Example tamales, corn tortillas
• People perform their dances and music
• In Mexico they still celebrate the Feast of the
  Dead
• Many Mexican females celebrate Quincenerias
• the right of passage for a girl
• The Name of Mexico comes from the Aztec language
• Still use many Aztec symbols
• such as the Eagle eating the Snake on the Mexican
  Flag
• Mexico City is built on a lake

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Work cited

• Indians.org