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The Aztec Empire
Study Questions for Quiz II
1. Conrad and Demarest argue the Aztec society underwent a social, political, and economic transformation following the triumph of the Triple Alliance in 1428. This transformation was legitimized and in part driven by the ideological revlution led by Itzcoatl, Tlacaelel, and Nezhualcoyotl. Conrad and Demarest also argue that this ideology eventually led to the weakening of Aztec society. Discuss this ideological revolution, the transformation transformation of Aztec society, and the weaknesses of the Empire at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
2. Briefly outline the expansion of the Aztec Empire under the leadership of the Mexica of Tenochtitlan.
3. Discuss the world view (cosmology) of the Mexica. Include in your discussion their view of the structure of the world, time, and the myriad of gods. What was man's place in this structured universe?
4. Discuss the concepts of "teotl" and of sacred landscapes. Discuss the latter with respect to the Mexica and their sacred places.
5. Identify the following gods.
Tonatiuh
Tlaloc
Tezcatlipoca
Huitzilopochtli
Quetzalcoatl
Centeotl
Ometecuhtli
Centzon Huitznahua
Omecacihuatl
Centzon Mimixcoa
Xipe Totec
Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli
Tlazolteotl
Xolotl
Chalchiuhtlicue
Mixcoatl
Coatlique
Camaxtli
Coyolxauhqui
Mictlantecuhtli
Ehecatl
Xiuhtecuhtli
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