Aztecs

Around 1168 AD, a Nahua tribe called the Aztecs left their mysterious homeland known as Aztlán and migrated south to Central Valley. At first the Aztecs were practically enslaved by the other Nahua tribe, but they continued to struggle for power. By the 1300's the Aztecs had founded two different settlements on Islands in lakes. These places are known as Tlaltetalco and Tenochtitlán. By the 15th century Tenochtitlán was the center of the Aztec world. By the 16th century Tenochtitlán dominated all the other cities in Central Valley.

The middle of the Aztec Empire was near the Lerma River. This plateau is made up of five different sections; the volcanic axis lies across the southern part of the plateau. This area still has active volcanoes; they receive a lot of rain and have fertile soil. The bajio is located just north of the volcanic axis; it has an average elevation of 7,000 feet. This is where the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán was located. Accounting for more than half of the plateau is the Mesa Del notre. The Mesa Del notre has an average elevation of 9,000 feet. Along the western ridge of the plateau is the Sierra Madre Occidental. The Sierra Madre Occidental is a long mountain chain that protected the Aztec

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The rich had clothing made out of cotton, while the poorer had cheaper maguey fibers. Children were sometimes beaten, or held over fire and made to inhale bitter smoke. At the dedication of the great pyramid temple in Tenochtitlán 20,000 POW's were sacrificed. They were taught the names of the things in the baskets they carried. Self-control and discipline were taught at home and punishments were very severe. The Aztecs revolted against the Spanish and during the revolt Montezuma was killed.

A ruler's daughter had to walk around without picking up her head. All the gods had their own ceremonies, prayers, sacrifices, and holidays. The council elected the supreme chief who led the tribe in wars and alliances. They were shown how to weave a loom, how to make cloth to support the family. The council elected officials to govern the four quarters, or phratries that the city was organized in. Education was also very important to Aztecs. They were also taught how to carry things for their mother and go to the market with their father. They carried most things on their backs.

Approximate Word count = 1461
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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