Topic #6 Lesson #2 - The Aztecs

Why did the Aztecs settle in the valley of Mexico?

• They wanted to take over old Mayan cities

• The area was located near a major river system

• The warmer climate

• Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil

Describe a chinampa.

• artificial island used for farming

• crops that were grown

• birds sacred to the Aztecs

• walls that hold back water

Which social class did a majority of the Aztecs belong to?

• nobles

• slaves

• priests

• commoners

Why did the Aztecs perform human sacrifice?

• to punish lawbreakers

• to determine the next emperor

• to keep their main god happy

• to punish enemies

How were aqueducts used?

• to make their gods happy

• to supply their capital city with fresh water

• to connect Tenochtitlan to the shore

• to move goods for trade

Which of the following is considered an Aztec achievement?

• aqueducts

• causeways

• stone temple pyramids

• all of the above