Speech Alternative Assignment

Aztecs The original Aztec empire was peopled by a group that was once nomadic, the Mexicans. Their chroniclers told them that after their long journey from Aztlan, they found themselves to be outcasts, until they found the sign sent to them by their god Huitzilopochtli, and began to build their city. So the Mexican people continued and the Aztec Empire began. The city of Tenochitlan became one of the largest cities in the world. The power of the Mexican people became more consolidated, and they began to form alliances. Their military power grew as well, and they began to conquer their surrounding areas. At the height of their power, the Aztec empire was organized and strong but ruled with fear. In 1519, a clash of cultures took place, and there was much tragedy in both the Spanish and Aztec empires, ending in a disastrous meeting of the two civilizations. Ultimately in a few short years the culture and structure of the empires were virtually vanishing.

The Aztec's government structure started with the family unit. After the family, was the calpulli, which was a group of families that are responsible for the basic needs of the group. Then there were councils that would keep order within the calpulli's. The leader was known as the Huey Tlatcani, or great speaker. This was the emperor who was worshipped as a god and ruled. According to their religion it took the gods 5 tries to create the world, due to infighting among the gods themselves. Their religion was highly focused on keeping nature in balance and that one false step could lead to natural disaster. Aztecs today are members of an ancient empire situated in present day Mexico. Aztecs formed as an extensive state in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The term Aztec is used to refer to several (but related) groupings of Nahuati- speaking peoples. Today's Aztec's mainly live Mexico as Mexicans. Working in the markets, weaving in their traditional way, and trying to live as their ancestors did.

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