Astecas | Civilizações Pré-Colombianas - Brasil Escola

Summary

In this lesson, Professor Natália discusses the fascinating Aztec civilization, which thrived in Mesoamerica around the 11th century. The Aztecs, also known as Mexicas, established their capital, Tenochtitlán, based on a divine prophecy involving an eagle, cactus, and serpent. The society was highly organized and militaristic, relying on agriculture, trade, and tribute from conquered peoples. Their religious practices included human sacrifices to please their gods. However, the Aztec Empire began to decline in 1519 due to internal conflicts and the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Aztec civilization, also known as the Mexica, was one of the most important pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica, existing primarily in what is now Mexico and parts of Central America.
• 😀 The Aztecs established their main city, Tenochtitlan, in the Valley of Mexico around the 11th century, guided by a vision from a priest about a sacred land marked by an eagle, a cactus, and a serpent.
• 😀 The civilization inherited cultural elements from other Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Toltecs and the Mayans, which influenced their practices and beliefs.
• 😀 The Mexican flag contains symbols representing the sacred land of the Aztecs, including an eagle, cactus, and serpent, linking modern Mexican culture to Aztec heritage.
• 😀 At its peak, the Aztec Empire had a population of approximately 11 million people and a powerful military that enabled them to conquer neighboring cities and demand tributes.
• 😀 Conquered peoples were required to pay tributes to the Aztecs, which could include food, jewels, labor, or even prisoners for human sacrifice rituals.
• 😀 Aztecs relied heavily on agriculture, using artificial floating gardens (chinampas) for farming, and their main crop was maize, along with other products like chili, tomatoes, and fruits.
• 😀 Slavery existed in Aztec society, but it was not hereditary; individuals could become slaves through warfare, conquest, or debts.
• 😀 The Aztecs were polytheistic, believing in many gods, and their religious practices included human sacrifices, often offering the heart of the sacrificed person to the gods.
• 😀 The Aztec Empire began to decline in 1519 when the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived and exploited internal conflicts within the empire to form alliances and ultimately defeat the Aztecs, beginning the colonization process.

Q & A

What was the location of the Aztec civilization?

The Aztec civilization was located in Mesoamerica, primarily in what is now modern-day Mexico, specifically in the Valley of Mexico.

What is another name for the Aztecs, and why are they called that?

The Aztecs are also known as the Mexicas. The term 'Mexica' refers to the ethnic group that established the Aztec civilization, and it is derived from the name of their mythical homeland, Aztlán.

What significant event occurred in the 15th century that involved the Aztecs?

In the 15th century, European explorers, particularly the Spanish, began arriving in Central America. By this time, the Aztec civilization was already well-established.

What was the significance of Tenochtitlan in Aztec civilization?

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, and it became a symbol of Aztec power and culture. It was located on an island in Lake Texcoco, where present-day Mexico City is situated.

How did the Aztecs decide where to build Tenochtitlan?

According to Aztec legend, a priest had a vision from the gods, which indicated that they should establish their city in a location where they would see an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak. This vision led them to build Tenochtitlan at that spot.

Which other Mesoamerican cultures influenced the Aztecs?

The Aztecs were influenced by earlier Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Toltecs and the Maya. They adopted various elements from these civilizations, such as art, architecture, and religious practices.

What are some elements of Aztec culture still present in Mexico today?

Many aspects of Aztec culture persist in Mexico, such as the national emblem on the Mexican flag, which features an eagle, a cactus, and a serpent, representing the legend of Tenochtitlan's founding. Additionally, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City is named after the Aztecs.

How did the Aztecs maintain their economy?

The Aztecs had a robust agricultural system that included the use of artificial islands called chinampas, which allowed for fertile land and high crop yields. They grew crops like maize, chili peppers, and tomatoes, and also engaged in trade with neighboring civilizations.

What was the role of slavery in Aztec society?

Slavery in Aztec society was not based on birth; rather, individuals became slaves due to war, conquest, or debt. These slaves could be used for labor or could be sacrificed to the gods.

Why did the Aztecs practice human sacrifice, and how was it performed?

The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as a religious ritual to appease their gods. They believed that offering human blood, especially through the removal of a victim's heart, would ensure the survival of their civilization and the continuation of the sun's movement.

How did the arrival of Hernán Cortés impact the Aztec Empire?

When Hernán Cortés arrived in 1519, the Aztec Empire was weakened by internal strife and warfare. Cortés exploited these divisions and formed alliances with other indigenous groups to eventually conquer the Aztecs, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization.