Key Terms - The Aztec

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Mesoamerica

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A geographic region in the western hemisphere that was home of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

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Tenochtitlán

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Capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco. Its population was about 150,000 on the eve of Spanish conquest. Mexico City was constructed on its ruins.

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Valley of Mexico

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Lies in the high plateau of central Mexico.

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indigenous

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Native

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Teotihuacán

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Translates to mean "Place of the gods." The first major city in Mesoamerica. Falls in 800 AD.

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urban

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In, relating to, or characteristic of a city or town.

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Codex Mendoza

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Documents containing "tribute lists" detailing materials paid to the Aztec Empire by its provincial populations.

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chinampas

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Raised fields constructed along lake shores in Mesoamerica to increase agricultural yields.

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tribute

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Something done or given to show thanks or respect; a payment.

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Hernán Cortés

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Spanish explorer and conquistador who led the conquest of Aztec Mexico in 1519-1521 for Spain.