Aztec Culture
- Education was very important for Aztec children
- Punishments were harsh for children
- Both men and woman worked the land, but men typically also became warriors
- Cocoa beans were used to make chocolate drinks and also used for currency
- Since there was no sugar, cocoa was mixed with peppers and spices. This chocolate drink was very different than what we are used to today.
- Human sacrifice was a main feature in Aztec society, it is said that there were up to ten thousand sacrifices or more a year.
Legend
- The legend goes that the Aztecs knew where to build their capital city when they saw an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in it's mouth.
- The Aztecs were a wandering group of people. As they made their way into the valley of Mexico they were pushed onto an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco
- It was here that the Aztecs saw their sign: An eagle, perched on top of a cactus with a snake it it's mouth.
- The Aztecs decided to stay and create their capital city there.
Aztec Empire
This is a painting the signifies the Aztec Empire and the culture of it's people.
Notice the following details:
Notice the following details:
- Blue water and canals
- Eagle on cactus
- Plants
- Fighting
- Skulls
- Temple
Innovation
The Aztecs are known for inventing and using many items that we use today
- Chocolate
- Suspension Bridges
- Aquaducts
- Vanilla
- Beautifully structured pyramids
- Mandatory Education for everyone
Religion
- The Aztecs believed in many Gods
- They believed the world was divided into 4 sections with Tenochtitlan at the center
- They believed the heavens had 13 layers, as well as 9 underground