Aztecs PDF

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little assignment on what i learned from the assigned reading and documentary...

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Visit this link for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZyB47qGXoI Engineering an Empire: The Aztecs Film questions 100 points Jacy Portilus 1. Describe one of the religious beliefs and one of the ceremonial practices found within Aztec culture between the 14th-16th centuries (1325-1521). (10 points) *One of the religious beliefs and ceremonial practices of the Aztec people was in the sun God, to whom which they were required to offer sacrifices of human hearts which were performed commonly in a temple on stone high Pyramid. The reason to these heartless sacrifices were to the Aztecs assumptions that if they did not offer sacrifices then the sun would no longer exist.

2. How many different channels of water-flow did the main aqueduct running into the Aztec capital have? (5 points) * These aqueducts had two different channels of water for two different purposes. One channel was to provide clean and fresh water throughout the land, while the other channel was used sanitary purposes.

3. Describe what a “chinampa” was in Aztec society and its significance. (10 points) *A unique method to feed the population and the military. This was a system that allowed the Aztecs to fully create numerous land to farm and to live on. Chinampas could also be viewed as sort of as an artificial island that is built in the lake. These little islands could be as long as a football field estimated to be about three hundred feet long by thirty feet wide. They were usually made my weaving a web of sticks floating in the water and pilling reefs on top. Mud from the lake bottom would be but on top to form the chinampa. This process would take four to six men a total of eight days to build an average chinampa.

4. Describe the relationship between the Aztec civilization and most other tribes situated near Aztec territory. (5 points)

* The Tepanecs were the the controllers of the entire mass of land and had a strong empire, while the early Aztecs were subjects of these people. As the Aztec population expanded and grew, more and more tensions between them and the Tepanecs decrease. This all needed when

the tepenexs leader, maxed Allah ordered the leader of the early Aztecs to be assassinated. Due to this cold-blooded murder the Aztecs retaliated with rage.

5. In addition to human transportation, the Aztec highway-road system was relied upon for what? (10 points) *Other than transportation, these highway-road systems were relied for transporting riches to the mainland. They also stationed relay runners (delivery men) every mile to create a type of federal express or shipping and mailing express system. Messages or even goods could even be sent as far as two hundred miles with the astonishing feat of being received in twenty four hours.

6. In 1519, what happened when Hernan Cortes tried to shake the hand of Moctezuma II during their first encounter? (10 points) *While trying to shake the hand of Moctezuma II, the noble attendants pushed Cortez away showing that no one can touch the great lord of the land. 7. In 1520, what was La Noche Triste? What items slowed down Spanish conquistadors as they attempted to exit Tenochtitlan? (15 points) *The La Noche Trieste was known as the “Sad Night” in which a total of four hundred Spaniards and their fellow Indian allies perished. The main factor to why the Spaniards were slowed down was due to the carrying of many souvenirs to bring back to their home in Spain.

8. Upon the Spanish invasion of Tenochtitlan (Spring 1521), what did Cortes and his men destroy first and why? (15 points) *Cortez would first destroy the famous aqueducts, creating a blockade around the capital to cut off all outside supplies of food. 9. In one paragraph, explain what geographical circumstances influenced Aztec culture. In a second paragraph, why was religion such a significant part of Aztec society and law? Provide examples to support your answer. (20-+ points) *From their territorial existence, the land where the Aztecs occupied was mostly water and Rocky hills. Thus, this is what they built the entirety of their empire on. For example: the chinampas were small little islands used for crops and civilians which were based on the waters in which the Aztecs relied on. Another geographical circumstance that influenced the Aztecs culture would have to be the Rocky hills were used to build the ruler’s bath spot where he could look at his beautiful garden. These would also be used to build the steps of temples were

sacrifices would take place. *Religion was such a huge and tremendous part in the Aztec society and law mostly due to the psychological role it played on the civilians. To argue for this case, a proper example would be that you would want to follow all the rules and not not be killed and thrown off a flight of stairs (what the Aztecs did to those who adulterous, according to their legends of the god of the moon). This could keep the people in check, making sure they would follow the laws or suffer the consequences. Without their cold-blooded religion, there would probably be no existence of the Aztecian people whatsoever. Their hunger to please their gods and show gratitude by cutting someone's chest and ripping their heart out allowed their harshness to make way for them to become on of the most advanced and civilized people in all history....