Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, in the Valley of Mexico. It was founded in 1325 and became one of the largest and most powerful cities in the pre-Columbian Americas.

Location

Tenochtitlan was situated on an island in Lake Texcoco, which is now the site of Mexico City. The city was connected to the mainland by causeways and canals, and it was built on reclaimed land, using a system of chinampas, or floating gardens, for agriculture.

Government and Society

The government of Tenochtitlan was a complex system of city-states, with a ruler known as the tlatoani at its head. The society was stratified, with nobles, commoners, and slaves, and it was based on a tribute system, in which conquered peoples paid tribute to the Aztec rulers.

Religion and Culture

The Aztecs had a rich and complex religious and cultural life, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, elaborate rituals, and monumental architecture, including the Great Temple, dedicated to the god Huitzilopochtli. The city was also known for its vibrant markets, where goods from all over the empire were bought and sold.

Conquest and Fall

Tenochtitlan was conquered by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1521, after a long and bloody siege. The city was then largely destroyed and rebuilt as the Spanish colonial capital of New Spain.

Study Guide

1. What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?
2. Where was Tenochtitlan located?
3. How was Tenochtitlan connected to the mainland?
4. Who was the ruler of Tenochtitlan?
5. What was the tribute system in Aztec society?
6. What was the religious center of Tenochtitlan?
7. Who conquered Tenochtitlan?
8. What happened to the city after its conquest?

[Tenochtitlan] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The AztecsSocial Studies • Seventh Grade