The Aztec Empire Assignment

In the early years, the sun god spoke to the Aztec people and told them to look for a sign. What was the sign the Aztec people were to look for?

• an eagle with a snake in its beak

• an eagle with a mouse in its beak

• a long snake

• a colorful peacock

Answer explanation

The Aztec people were instructed to look for an eagle with a snake in its beak, which symbolized their future home. This sign led them to establish Tenochtitlan, their capital, on an island in Lake Texcoco.

By the 1400s, the Aztec began to expand through military successes. How did the Aztec people do this?

• by training the Aztec people to be powerful warriors

• by conquering neighboring city-states

• by trading with people nearby

• by appointing a different Sapa Inca frequently

Answer explanation

The Aztec expanded their territory primarily by conquering neighboring city-states, which allowed them to gain resources and power. This military strategy was key to their growth and dominance in the region.

____________ stood where Mexico City is today.

• Lake Texcoco

• Dominican Republic

• Guatamala

• Tenochtitlan

Answer explanation

Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire and was located on an island in Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City now stands. It was a significant urban center before the Spanish conquest.

a raised road built over water to connect an island to a mainland

• terrace

• canal

• causeway

• mountain

Answer explanation

A causeway is a raised road built over water, specifically designed to connect an island to the mainland. This distinguishes it from other options like terrace, canal, or mountain, which do not fit the description.

Which word describes floating gardens, where stationary artificial islands were created by digging up mud from the bottom of the lake and piling it up in shallow areas.

• Oasis

• Loincloths

• Chinampas

• Greenhouses

Answer explanation

The term 'Chinampas' refers to the floating gardens created by piling mud in shallow lake areas, forming artificial islands for agriculture. This method was used by ancient Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Aztecs.

What type of vegetables did the Aztec people frequently plant and grow? [SELECT 3 ANSWERS]

• corn

• potatoes

• tomatoes

• beans

• squash

Answer explanation

The Aztec people frequently planted corn, beans, and squash, known as the "Three Sisters." These crops were staples in their diet and were often grown together to support each other's growth.

During an Aztec wedding ceremony, the bride's blouse was tied to the groom's cloak. This tying together was a symbol of what?

• the connection between a husband and a wife

• a symbol of love between an Aztec woman and man

• a symbol that the Aztec population would continue to grow

Answer explanation

The tying of the bride's blouse to the groom's cloak symbolizes the connection between a husband and a wife, representing their union and commitment to each other in marriage.

In Aztec schools, boys received _______

• moral instruction

• military practice

• miniature weapons

• special wooden clubs

Answer explanation

In Aztec schools, boys received moral instruction to prepare them for their roles in society, emphasizing ethics and values, which was crucial for their development as responsible citizens.

Which word describes a person whose job is copying written information

• military people

• teachers

• scribes

• warriors

Answer explanation

The term 'scribes' specifically refers to individuals whose job is to copy written information. Unlike military people, teachers, or warriors, scribes are historically known for their role in documentation and record-keeping.

What were the Aztec Markets used for?

• praying to the "gods"

• learning how to use a weapon

• trading different goods

• going to school

Answer explanation

The Aztec Markets were primarily used for trading different goods, facilitating commerce and the exchange of products among the people, which was essential for their economy.