Aztec

• What is the term for each city-state in the Aztec Empire?

  Altepetl
• Who led the local government in each altepetl?

  A tlatoani
• To whom did the tlatoani answer?

  Both the Tlatocan and the emperor
• What role did governors play in the provinces of the Aztec Empire?

  They maintained order and ensured the collection of tribute
• What assisted in governing the Aztec Empire?

  A network of tax collectors, judges, and military commanders
• How was the Aztec bureaucracy structured?

  It was hierarchical
• What degree of local governance did the Aztec bureaucracy allow?

  A degree of local autonomy
• How did the combination of centralized rule and regional governance affect the Aztec Empire?

  It fostered stability
• What role did the intricate administrative system play in the Aztec Empire?

  It helped manage diverse territories and maintain control
• What was the role of tribute in the ancient Aztec Empire?

  It served as a form of taxation
• What were tribute lists used for in the Aztec Empire?

  To record the obligations of subject territories
• What was the capital of the Aztec Empire?

  Tenochtitlan
• What were tribute lists known as?

  Quipuixtli
• What types of contributions were required as tribute?

  Agricultural products, textiles, precious metals, labor, or military service
• How did the extraction of tribute serve the Aztec Empire?

  As a means of taxation and asserting imperial dominance
• Why were tribute lists essential tools for the Aztec Empire?

  They provided a comprehensive record of wealth and resources
• What does the meticulous maintenance of tribute lists reflect about the Aztec administration?

  It reflects bureaucratic efficiency
• How did the tribute system contribute to the Mexica's strength?

  It significantly contributed to their economic and political strength
• What was the impact of the tribute system on the Aztec Empire's territorial expanse?

  It helped maintain control over a vast and diverse territorial expanse
• What was the time period during which the Aztec Empire peaked?

  From the 14th to the early 16th Century
• What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?

  Tenochtitlán
• What type of religion did the Aztecs practice?

  A polytheistic religion
• How did religion influence the political and social institutions of the Aztecs?

  It played a central role in shaping them
• What was the role of the tlatoani in the Aztec Empire?

  He was both a political leader and a religious figure
• What was the tlatoani's function regarding the gods?

  He acted as an intermediary between the gods and the people
• What was believed to be essential for the continuity and prosperity of the Aztec Empire?

  The appeasement of the gods through elaborate ceremonies
• What was the significance of human sacrifice in Aztec culture?

  It held profound significance in their religious and cultural practices
• To whom did the Aztecs primarily offer hearts during sacrifices?

  To their god Huitzilopochtli
• What was the Templo Mayor?

  A colossal pyramid that served as the central religious complex
• Which gods was the Templo Mayor dedicated to?

  Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc
• What features characterized the Templo Mayor?

  It featured multiple layers, staircases, and intricately carved sculptures
• What did the rituals conducted at the Templo Mayor symbolize?

  The inseparable connection between religious observance and imperial stability
• What happened to the Templo Mayor following the Spanish conquest?

  It fell into ruin
• What did archaeological excavations in the 20th Century reveal about the Templo Mayor?

  They provided invaluable insights into Aztec religious practices and artistic achievements
• What role did human sacrifice play in the perception of rulers in ancient societies?

  It reinforced the notion of the ruler as a divine intermediary.
• What was the purpose of human sacrifice in relation to the gods?

  To appease the gods through grim ceremonies.
• How does the concept of a ruler as a divine intermediary affect the governance of a society?

  It places the ruler in a position of religious significance and authority.
• When did the art and architecture of the Aztec Empire flourish?

  From the 14th to the early 16th Century
• What does the art and architecture of the Aztec Empire showcase?

  The sophisticated cultural and artistic achievements of the civilization
• What was at the heart of Aztec artistic expression?

  A fusion of religious beliefs, practical needs, and craftsmanship