Aztecs Forge an Empire of Tribute
The Aztec Empire was built on the Triple Alliance of three city-states that used military force to conquer neighboring lands in the Valley of Mexico and extracted tribute payments of goods from conquered peoples to enrich the capital Tenochtitlan, as taught in Grade 7 California myWorld Interactive Chapter 6: Civilizations of the Americas. An all-powerful emperor chosen by nobles governed this empire through absolute authority over law, war, and religion. This topic helps 7th grade students understand Aztec imperial structure and economy.
Key Concepts
The Aztecs built their empire by joining with two other powerful city states. This partnership was called the Triple Alliance . Together, they used their combined military strength to conquer neighboring lands in the Valley of Mexico.
An all powerful emperor, chosen by a council of nobles, ruled the empire. This absolute monarch had the final say in all matters of law, war, and religion.
Common Questions
What was the Aztec Triple Alliance?
The Aztec Triple Alliance was a partnership between the Aztecs and two other powerful city-states that combined their military strength to conquer neighboring lands in the Valley of Mexico.
What was tribute in the Aztec Empire?
Tribute was regular payments of goods like food, cotton, and valuable feathers that conquered peoples were forced to give to the Aztec empire, making the capital Tenochtitlan incredibly wealthy.
How was the Aztec Empire governed?
The Aztec Empire was governed by an all-powerful emperor chosen by a council of nobles, who had absolute authority over all matters of law, war, and religion.
What does Grade 7 history teach about the Aztec Empire?
California myWorld Interactive Grade 7, Chapter 6: Civilizations of the Americas covers how the Aztecs built their empire through the Triple Alliance, military conquest, and a tribute system that enriched Tenochtitlan.
What was Tenochtitlan?
Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, made incredibly wealthy and powerful through tribute payments from conquered peoples throughout the Valley of Mexico.