HISTÓRIA GERAL #38 O IMPÉRIO ASTECA

Summary

In this video, Pedro Rennó delves into the fascinating history of the Aztec civilization, covering their origins, military prowess, societal structure, economy, and religion. He explains the significance of their capital city, Tenochtitlán, and how their society was hierarchical, with the emperor viewed as a divine figure. The video also touches on the Aztec calendar systems and their religious practices, including human sacrifices to appease their gods. Ultimately, the fall of the Aztec Empire to the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, marks the end of their powerful civilization in 1521. This engaging lecture highlights the brief yet impactful reign of the Aztecs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Aztecs (also known as Mexicas) lived in what is now Mexico, with their empire existing from the 14th century until 1521, when it was conquered by the Spanish.
• 😀 The term 'Aztec' is derived from 'Aztlán,' a mythical place from which the Mexicas originated, though the exact origin remains unclear.
• 😀 The Aztec civilization was militaristic and organized into an empire, unlike the Maya, who were organized into city-states.
• 😀 The capital of the Aztec Empire was Tenochtitlán, which was built on a large lake and is now the site of modern Mexico City.
• 😀 The Aztec society was hierarchical, consisting of nobles, priests, and commoners. The emperor was considered a divine figure.
• 😀 The Aztecs had a complex economy based on agriculture, with maize, beans, and potatoes being key crops, and also used cocoa seeds as currency.
• 😀 They practiced human sacrifices as offerings to their gods, primarily at the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlán.
• 😀 The Aztecs were skilled in astronomy and mathematics, creating two main calendars: a 365-day solar calendar and a 260-day lunar calendar.
• 😀 The Aztec religion was polytheistic, with major gods including Huitzilopochtli (the god of the sun and war) and Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent god).
• 😀 The Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in 1519 and exploited Aztec beliefs, leading to the eventual downfall of the empire in 1521.

Q & A

What was the main time period of the Aztec Empire?

The Aztec Empire lasted for a relatively short period, from the 14th century (around the 1300s) until its fall in 1521 with the arrival of Spanish colonizers.

Where did the Aztecs originate from, according to their mythology?

The Aztecs believed they originated from a mythical place called Aztlán, which was said to be located in the north, though its exact location is still unclear.

Why are the Aztecs referred to as 'sanguinary' or bloodthirsty?

The term 'sanguinary' refers to the Aztecs' warrior society, which was heavily focused on military conquest. It does not imply a thirst for blood but highlights their militaristic nature and the ritualistic sacrifices they practiced.

How were Aztec cities organized?

The Aztec society was organized into city-states, each with its own independence, but these cities formed alliances to create a larger empire. Tenochtitlán, the capital, was the most prominent of these cities.

What role did the lake play in the founding of Tenochtitlán?

Tenochtitlán was founded on an island in Lake Texcoco, which played a crucial role in the city's development, providing resources and enabling easy transportation and irrigation.

How was Aztec society structured?

Aztec society was highly hierarchical, divided into the nobility, which included the emperor, priests, and nobles, and the commoners, which included peasants, merchants, and slaves.

What was the role of religion in Aztec society?

Religion played a central role in Aztec society. They were polytheistic, believing in multiple gods, with two primary gods being Huitzilopochtli (god of the sun and war) and Quetzalcoatl (god of wisdom and fertility). Rituals, including human sacrifices, were performed to appease the gods.

What was the significance of human sacrifice in Aztec culture?

Human sacrifices were a critical part of Aztec religious rituals, believed to maintain cosmic balance and appease the gods, particularly for the sun to rise each day and to ensure fertility and prosperity.

What were the two main calendars used by the Aztecs?

The Aztecs used two main calendars: a solar calendar with 365 days and a lunar calendar with 260 days. These calendars were interlinked, with a specific cycle of 52 years marking a period of renewal or transformation.

What led to the fall of the Aztec Empire?

The fall of the Aztec Empire began in 1519 when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived, exploiting the Aztecs' belief that he was a god. The combination of superior weapons, horses, and internal political struggles led to the empire's collapse in 1521.