The Aztec Empire

the capital, _____, was an enormous city with many features that enabled it to serve and support its large population

• Cuzco

• Djenne

• Tenochtitlán

• Timbuktu

Answer explanation

The Aztec built Tenochtitlán in present-day Mexico.

According to the legend, The Aztec received a sign from the sun god directing them where to build their city.

the development of the city, including the use of causeways, canals, and _____, demonstrates the great success and ingenuity of the Aztec and their great skill at building, organizing, and solving practical problems

• chinampas

• chimpanzees

• bananas

• ditches

Answer explanation

causeway, n. a raised road built over water to connect an island to a mainland

canal, n. a channel dug by people, used by boats or for irrigation

Along the coast of Lake Texcoco, the Aztec built gardens on raised beds. Chinampas (/chee*nahm*pahss/), or floating gardens, were stationary artificial islands created by digging up mud from the bottom of the lake and piling it up in shallow areas. Layers of vegetation were mixed in with the dirt and mud, creating highly fertile soil. Then the piles were shaped into long, narrow gardens. The gardens were surrounded by water, so they stayed moist. The Aztec kept the soil fertile by scooping new mud and vegetation onto the gardens every year. The rich soil was perfect for growing corn, squash, and beans. Not only did this kind of farming save space in the populated city of Tenochtitlán, but the constant supply of moisture for the soil helped yield large crops in spite of the arid climate of the area. This agricultural technique is still used in Mexico today.

the culture had a strong _____.

• economy

• education

• healthcare

• military

Answer explanation

Soldiers from the same village were usually kept together. These groups formed the building blocks of larger armies.

As in many societies until recent times, Aztec people were born into a certain social class. Most people had relatively little chance of joining a higher social class, but the army provided one opportunity for brave men to better themselves.

Who attended school to receive moral instruction and learn how to be warriors?

• young boys

• young girls

• men

• women

What determined where an Aztec was placed into their strict social structure?

• They were appointed the position

• They were born into it

• They earned it

• It happened by luck

Answer explanation

As in many societies until recent times, Aztec people were born into a

certain social class. Most people had relatively little chance of joining

a higher social class, but the army provided one opportunity for brave

men to better themselves.

the Aztec were strongly affected by their religious beliefs about the influence of the ____ in their world.

What did they believed could possibly delay the violent end of the world by giving the sun god the strength to make the sun rise again?

• animal sacrifices

• food sacrifices

• human sacrifices

• sorcery

Who was a powerful Aztec emperor in the early 1500s?

• He-Who-Sees-All

• Moctezuma

• Moctezuma II

• The Sapa Inca

Which word best describes the Aztec before they built their empire?

• conquerors

• farmers

• scientists

• wanderers

The Aztec were known for being _____ and _____ . Select two correct answers.

• fierce warriors

• great conquerors

• impressive memorizers

• skilled road builders

• talented musicians