Aztecs ap world history definition


aztecs ap world history definition

The Mexica Practice of Human Sacrifice for AP World History

The Mexica practice of human sacrifice is an illustrative example in the Empires: Administration topic of Unit 3 of AP World History. Read more about the Mexica practice of human sacrifice below!

The Mexica, the indigenous people who established the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica, are renowned for their complex cultural practices, one of the most controversial being the ritualistic practice of human sacrifice. Central to their religious beliefs and worldview, human sacrifice played a significant role in Mexica society, shaping both their spiritual understanding and political dynamics.

Human sacrifice in Mexica culture was intricately linked to their religious beliefs, particularly their dedication to the gods who, according to their cosmology, required nourishment and appeasement. The Mexica believed that by offering the vital life force of human beings, they could sustain the balance of the cosmos, ensuring the continuation of the world and guaranteeing prosperity for their people.

Human sacrifice was integrated into various religious ceremonies and festivals, with the most elaborate rituals occurring at the Te

All About Mexica Tribute Lists for AP World History

Mexica tribute lists are an illustrative example in the Empires: Administration topic of Unit 3 of AP World History. Read more about the Mexica tribute lists below!

The Mexica, also known as the Aztecs, created a highly organized and systematic tribute system that formed the backbone of their economic administration. Tribute lists, meticulously recorded by Aztec officials, provided a comprehensive record of the diverse goods and services rendered by subject regions and vassal states to the imperial capital of Tenochtitlan. These tribute lists not only facilitated economic governance but also served as a symbol of imperial power and control within the Aztec Empire.

Tribute as a Symbol of Imperial Supremacy

The Mexica Tribute System was a manifestation of the tribute and taxation practices employed by the Aztecs to maintain control over their vast empire. Tribute, which included a wide array of goods such as agricultural products, textiles, precious metals, and artisanal crafts, served as both a demonstration of the empire’s economic dominance and a means of redistributing wealth to support the ruling elite.

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AP World History Chapter 11 Flashcards

793326956Teotihuacanfirst major metropolis in Mesoamerica, collapsed around 800 CE. It is most remembered for the enormous "pyramid of the sun".; The most significant pre-Columbian Meso-american city.; its collapse along with the abandonment of Mayan cities in 8th century signaled a significant political and cultural change in Mesoamerica0793326957ToltecsPowerful postclassic empire in core Mexico (900-1168 C.E.). It influenced much of Mesoamerica. Aztecs claimed ties to this earlier civilization.; est. capital at Tula in 968; strong militaristic ethnic; adopted sedentary lifestyle; cult of sacrifice and war; aztecs thought of them as the givers of civilization1793326958Aztecs(1200-1521) 1300, they settled in the valley of Mexico. Grew corn. Engaged in frequent warfare to conquer others of the region. Worshipped many gods (polytheistic). Believed the sun god needed human blood to continue his journeys across the sky. Practiced human sacrifices and those sacrificed were captured warriors from other tribes and those who volunteered for the honor.2793326959TopiltzinReligious leader and reformer of the Tolt

key term - Aztecs

Definition

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for their advanced social structure, impressive architectural achievements, and rich cultural practices. They established a powerful empire that influenced trade, religion, and politics in the region, ultimately playing a critical role in the interactions between Europe and the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Aztec Empire was established through a series of alliances and conquests, becoming one of the most powerful civilizations in Mesoamerica by the early 16th century.
  2. Their economy was based on agriculture, with maize being the staple crop, alongside trade networks that extended throughout Mesoamerica.
  3. The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion with numerous deities, and human sacrifice was a significant aspect of their religious ceremonies.
  4. Their society was organized into a strict class system, with nobles, priests, and warriors at the top and commoners at the bottom, each playing specific roles in society.
  5. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the

    key term - Aztec Empire

    Definition

    The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its rich culture, complex social structure, and impressive architectural achievements. It was characterized by a tribute system, a polytheistic religion, and an expansive trade network, playing a crucial role in the development of pre-Columbian America.

    5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

    1. The Aztec Empire reached its peak around the early 16th century before the Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés in 1519.
    2. The society was organized into a hierarchy with an emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, commoners, and slaves.
    3. The Aztecs practiced extensive agriculture using chinampas, which were floating gardens that allowed for year-round farming.
    4. Their religious beliefs were deeply intertwined with daily life and included numerous gods; human sacrifice was often performed to appease these deities.
    5. The empire was known for its vast trade networks that connected various regions, enabling the exchange of goods such as cacao, textiles, and precious stones.

    Review Questions

    • How did the trib