What Amazes Me
I am amazed by how resilient and resourceful the Aztec were. I say this because not only did the Aztec get accepted into a pre-existing civilization, but also when that civilization banished the Aztec and fought them to a lake, the Aztec took up residency on that lake and grew to be one of the greatest civilizations of all time. Because the lake that the Aztec moved to only had a small island, they used the lakes resources to build cinampas (floating gardens). One day, these chinampas would make it possible for the Aztec to become on of the greatest civilizations.
A Funny Story
The snake
The Aztec were small families of hunters and gatherers. Back before they rose to power, they used to call them selves the Mexica. They lived in Aztlan (around Central Mexico, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona).
They were looking for an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake. (They found the snake). Once they did find the eagle, they were supposedly going to become the greatest civilization of their time but, of course, this was based on a prophecy that some old hoot had made up just to waste everybody's time so he could have a good laugh.
They were looking for an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake. (They found the snake). Once they did find the eagle, they were supposedly going to become the greatest civilization of their time but, of course, this was based on a prophecy that some old hoot had made up just to waste everybody's time so he could have a good laugh.
Interesting Facts
The quetzal bird
- The Aztec considered water bugs and their eggs delicacies.
- The Aztec saw their gods as threatening/scary beings that may one day destroy them.
- Before the Aztec rose to power, the Toltec ruled the land.
- When an Aztec warrior died, they would come back to Earth as a butterfly.
- Before the Aztec created Tenochtitlan, the lake was uninhabited besides for the snakes.
- Although the Aztec knew of the wheel, they only used it for toys. They relied on boats and man power.
- The Aztec loved feathers so much that it may have caused them to conquer and expand there territory so they had more area where birds lived.
- Guatemala is an Aztec word.
- Turquoise and gold were very important to the Aztec.
- Thousands and thousands of quetzal feathers were used in Aztec headdresses.
In Search of History - The Aztec Empire
Below is a movie on the rise, height and fall of the Aztec. It will also describe to you the Spanish conquest. In total it is 42:56 but is well worth the time it takes to view. I hope you enjoy!