How did the Aztecs live? The main activities of the Aztecs

Classes of the Aztecs - a civilization that left many mysteries and mysteries, were very diverse. There remains a lot of evidence of the existence of this people, which have reached us through jewelry and weapons products, pottery and weaving. What did the Aztecs do, what was most important for them? Let's try to find the answers in this article.

Aztecs: a brief historical background

Among the most ancient civilizations of the American continent, three are distinguished: the Incas, the Maya and the Aztecs. A lot of knowledge about which classes of Maya, Aztec and Incas were the most popular, unfortunately lost. But still there are many archaeological finds that help unravel some of the riddles of the ancient inhabitants of planet Earth.

The Aztecs are the name of several nationalities who lived in a valley called Mexico City until the Spaniards conquered Mexico in 1521. The peoples who inhabited the valley spoke Nahuatl. Their territories were divided into states, they built the cities ruled by the royal dynasties.

Aztecs: their lives and activities

Briefly state the topic is quite difficult. This civilization left a very big mark in history. Thanks to archaeological finds, researches of scientists and historians, now we can draw conclusions about how this people lived, find out what was significant for them and what Aztec lessons were the most important.

Civilization numbered about 60 thousand people, and this people, without false modesty, could be proud of themselves. It took the Aztecs only 2 centuries to become a nomadic tribe of the formidable warriors who dominated the valley of Mexico City.

Hence, historians conclude that the most important occupation of this people was military craft. In addition, it is known that this people was highly educated. Studied and practiced: medicine, astronomy, music, history of laws and religion. At a high level were the development of the art of farming and various crafts. Consider all of these Aztec classes in order.

Military Craft

This people loved war very much. The military craft was very well developed, so it is not surprising that the Aztecs were famous as conquerors of new lands. During the existence of this civilization, the territory of the people's residence was greatly expanded due to constant wars and the conquest of new territories.

The seized new lands, according to the law of the Aztecs, were distributed among the soldiers who became famous on the battlefield most of all. Accordingly, the conquered tribes automatically turned into slaves. This served to the fact that among the Aztecs there were many rich slaveholders, whose thirst for profit forced them to conquer all new lands.

Economy

The Aztec classes dealt with different spheres of life. The basis of the economy was agriculture.

Archaeologists have discovered tools of ancient farmers: sticks with pointed and enlarged ends. The second option is the prototype of a modern shovel.

It is known that this people knew how to irrigate and fertilize the soil. Among different cultures, preference was given to corn, pumpkin, beans, peppers and zucchini. The Aztecs went down in history as a people who first started cultivating cocoa beans and tomatoes. They also grew tobacco.

Also, the main activities of the Aztecs included the cultivation of several kinds of cotton.

Among the peculiarities of their farming is the presence of floating gardens. All due to the fact that the city Tenochtitlan itself was on the island. A limited amount of land has led to the emergence of vegetable gardens afloat. These vegetable gardens were built on rafts with fertile land attached to the piles driven into the ground.

Hunting and fishing

The Aztec population included hunting and fishing. This people had no tradition of keeping pets. The only domesticated animals were dogs, sometimes they were used for food.

The stock of meat was replenished during the hunt. Hunters extracted food with the help of bow and arrow, widely used throwing darts, were in the course and special traps on animals.

The prey of the hunter could be: rabbits, deer and wild birds.

The peoples who lived on the shores of the lakes successfully engaged in fishing.

Culture

The culture of this people was at the highest level. It should be noted that for the male population, school education was compulsory. There were two types of schools: for the rich and the poor. Schools of the first kind prepared future priests, military commanders and dignitaries. Boys from simple families learned to be farmers, warriors and artisans.

Science, literature, philosophy and astronomy are the main occupations of the inhabitants. Aztecs Revered as a highly developed civilization.

This people has developed a star map of the sky. The Aztec calendar is widely known, which, taking into account the location and movement of the celestial stars, served to satisfy the needs of agriculture.

Unfortunately, during the conquest of this territory by the Spanish, many samples of culture and art were destroyed. Nevertheless, archaeologists have recently discovered structures that give us the opportunity to gain knowledge about how developed the Aztecs had the sphere of architecture.

One of the attractions is the temple in Malinalko, which was completely carved from the hollow rock. Archaeologists say that in addition to the stone tools of others, this people did not have. Imagine how much effort was required to erect this temple.

The main Temple Templo Mayor was discovered by archaeologists in general by accident. This happened in 80 years of the last century during the earthquake. This find made it possible to contemplate the figurines of the gods, carved out of stone, as well as ceramic and jewelry. It should be noted that the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice to their gods. Handles of sacrificial knives were decorated with a pattern of mosaic of turquoise and debris of shells.

Thanks to these findings, we can accurately determine how the Aztecs lived, whose occupations were distinguished by their diversity and highly developed culture.

End of story

This civilization was not solved until the end. All due to the fact that the cultural heritage of the Aztecs was partially destroyed during the conquest. Having reached the cultural heights, the people of the Aztecs could not survive and preserve for history most of their achievements. On the ruins of the capital of the Aztecs, a new city, Mexico City, grew into history as the center of the colonial possessions of new conquerors from Europe.