Pochteca: Espionage and Trade in Mexica

The video explores the role of Pochteca, an elite class of merchant spies in the Mexica Empire, known as the Aztecs. These spies gathered intelligence while trading luxury goods across Central and South America. They employed creative strategies, such as learning local dialects and using makeup, to blend in with potential targets. A notable mission involved infiltrating the Mayan city of Tzinacantlan, where they used ochre to disguise themselves. Their efforts led to the successful expansion of the Mexica Empire.

What was the primary role of the Pochteca in the Mexica Empire?

• To gather intelligence while trading

• To serve as military leaders

• To build architectural structures

• To act as religious priests

How did the Pochteca adapt to their espionage missions in rival city-states?

• By bribing officials

• By forming alliances with local leaders

• By using advanced technology

• By learning local dialects and changing their appearance

What was the purpose of the Pochteca's mission to the Mayan city of Tzinacantlan?

• To establish a trade route

• To gather information for conquest

• To spread religious beliefs

• To recruit soldiers

What natural pigment did the Pochteca use to enhance their disguise?

• Soot

• Clay

• Ochre

• Charcoal

What was the outcome of the Pochteca's mission in Tzinacantlan?

• The city formed an alliance with the Mexica

• The city was conquered by the Mexica

• The city was destroyed

• The city remained independent