Unveiling the Origins of the Aztec Empire

Unveiling the Origins of the Aztec Empire

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the historical origins of the Aztec empire and its rise to power.

What do you already know about the origins of the Aztec empire?

Introduction to the Aztecs

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that emerged in the 13th century. They built a powerful empire in central Mexico.

Migration from Aztlan

According to legend, the Aztecs originated from Aztlan and embarked on a long migration southwards, seeking a new homeland.

Foundation of Tenochtitlan

The Aztecs founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in 1325. It was built on an island in Lake Texcoco.

Alliance with the Triple Alliance

The Aztecs formed an alliance with two other city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan, creating the Triple Alliance which became the basis of their empire.

Military Expansion

Through military conquest, the Aztecs expanded their empire, eventually controlling a vast territory across central Mexico.

Religious Beliefs

The Aztecs had a complex polytheistic religion, with deities representing various aspects of the natural world and human activities.

Agricultural Practices

The Aztecs developed advanced agricultural techniques, including the use of chinampas (artificial islands) for farming in the lake region.

Social Structure

The Aztec society was stratified, with nobles, commoners, and slaves. The nobility held significant power and privilege.

Economy and Trade

The Aztecs engaged in extensive trade networks, exchanging goods such as cacao, maize, and precious stones with neighboring regions.

Spanish Conquest

In 1519, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernan Cortes, arrived in the Aztec empire, ultimately leading to its downfall.

Legacy of the Aztec Empire

Despite its fall, the Aztec empire left a lasting legacy in art, architecture, agriculture, and cultural traditions.

Interactive Activity: Aztec Map Exploration

Students will examine maps depicting the expansion of the Aztec empire and identify key geographical features.

Discussion: Aztec Civilization

Engage in a class discussion about the achievements, challenges, and ultimate fate of the Aztec civilization.

Quiz Time: Aztec Empire Origins

Assess students' understanding of the origins and early history of the Aztec empire through a short quiz.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.