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Aztec Civilization

The Aztecs originated in what is now the southwestern United States and migrated to central Mexico in the late 12th century. They built the advanced civilization with its capital at Tenochtitlan, which had a population of over 300,000. The Aztec economy was based around agriculture, particularly corn, and used a barter system with cacao beans as currency. Their society consisted of nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The Aztec religion involved frequent and elaborate human sacrifices, sometimes of prisoners or children, to appease the gods as part of important ceremonies.

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161 views2 pages

Aztec Civilization

The Aztecs originated in what is now the southwestern United States and migrated to central Mexico in the late 12th century. They built the advanced civilization with its capital at Tenochtitlan, which had a population of over 300,000. The Aztec economy was based around agriculture, particularly corn, and used a barter system with cacao beans as currency. Their society consisted of nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The Aztec religion involved frequent and elaborate human sacrifices, sometimes of prisoners or children, to appease the gods as part of important ceremonies.

Uploaded by

Cyntia Pasillas
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Aztec Civilization - The Aztecs and Their Region

Most believe the Aztec civilization originated in the area of present day Arizona,
New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado. Historic accounts commonly begin in the late
12th century as they migrated to what is now central Mexico. Modern day
Mexicans are of mixed Spanish and indigenous ancestry, descendants of the
Mexicas (Aztecs) or of other indigenous peoples of the Aztec Empire and
Mesoamerica. Mexico City now stands on the site of the Aztec’s most elaborate
and capitol city.

The Aztecs were an advanced and prosperous civilization who built beautiful and
sophisticated cities. At their peak, the Aztec civilization had about 15 million people
who lived in nearly 500 communities. The Aztecs were culturally developed in
music, arts, crafts, and the sciences. Music played an important role in Aztec
religious rituals for worshiping their many gods. About 300,000 people lived in
Tenochtitlan, their capitol. In this famous city, the government controlled and was
responsible for punishment, agriculture, and all aspects of the civilization’s
economy.

Aztec Civilization - The Aztec Economy


The early Aztec economy consisted of a type of barter system as this was a pre-
capitalist society. Minor purchases were made with cacao beans imported from
lowlands. In the marketplaces, a small rabbit might have been worth 30 beans, an
egg cost 3 beans while larger purchases of cloth could range from 65 to 300 cacao
beans.

The highly developed empire had an elaborate leadership and society that
consisted of four classes.

 Nobles (highest in power)


 Commoners (the majority of population, were mostly farmers)
 Serfs (worked land for the nobles)
 Slaves (consisted of those captured and indebted who couldn’t pay)

Governmental office positions were usually inherited, but one could be awarded an
office through exemplary service to the emperor. Slavery was quite common.

Aztec communities were heavily dependent upon agriculture with corn being the
central crop; though they also relied somewhat on hunting and gathering. Crop
surpluses were stored and used during hard times. The Aztec also had
sophisticated irrigation systems, allowing them to farm otherwise dry lands. They
farmed shallow lakes by scooping up mud and forming islands
called chinampas. These islands provided very fertile land that was profitable for
growing crops.
Aztec Civilization - The Aztec Life and Religion
The Aztec religion included human sacrifices in rich ceremonies to the gods. Dress
was also important in all parts of Aztec life. The Aztecs worshiped hundreds of
gods and goddesses; each represented a different aspect of life. Designing
clothes, mainly in the upper class, was one form of art in the Aztec culture. Women
usually made the clothing, and they richly decorated them with beads, flowers, and
precious metals. Gold was often used and was abundant in the Aztec empire. In
fact, the pursuit of gold was the main reason Cortez traveled to Mexico in 1519
(eventually leading to the Aztec demise).

Ceremonies were very important during the agricultural seasons to ensure good
crops as well as for Coronations. During these ceremonies human sacrifices were
given to the gods. Many of the sacrifices were war prisoners or children. They felt
that human hearts and blood gave the gods strength and appeased them when
they were angry. Large temples were built to celebrate the offering of sacrifices.
The famous Sunstone Calendar, which was twelve feet in diameter, represented
the Aztec universe. It is thought that the hearts of human sacrifices were placed on
this stone and presented to the gods. The Aztecs believed in many gods, to whom
they paid tribute daily. It is estimated that over a quarter of a million people were
sacrificed each year by the Aztecs

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