Aztec Empire*Legend: Their chief god told Aztecs to settle where they saw an eagle perched on a thorny cactus.

* When they were driven from every place they tried to settle. They took refuge on a small island in the middle of Lake Texcoco where they saw the eagle.

Aztec Empire Geography

• Located in the Valley of Mexico• Shallow lakes, mild climate, fertile land around lakes

• Aztecs find refuge on island in Lake Texcoco

• How do you sustain life on an island city?• Slash-and-burn

• Chinampas

• Floating gardens on lake

ChinampasFarming & Irrigation

• Used mud, vegetation, and mats to create soil ready for planting on lake

Aztec Crops

• Main crop: corn (maize)

• Other crops: avocados, squash, cotton, rubber, cacao beans, sweet potatoes

Outline the Aztec civilization on your map.

Proximity of Aztec and Maya Civilizations

Aztec Cities

• Major Aztec cities include: Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, Tlacopan, Yautepec, Tlatelolco

Tenochtitlán – only ruins remain in Mexico CityStone of the Sun found here