Content created: 2008-08-21

The Aztecs: A Tributary Empire

David K. Jordan

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Mexico: The Layout
3. The Word Aztec
4. Mexico Before the Aztecs: Teotihuácan
5. Mexico Before the Aztecs: The Toltecs
6. Enter the Mexica
7. Mexica Life
8. Calpólli
9. Becoming Aztecs: Instant Aristocracy
10. Chimap-popóca: How Being Cute Changed History
11. Tlacahélel, the Woman Snake
12. Tlacahélel's Early Policies (1430-1455)
13. Tlacahélel's Later Policies (1455-1500)
14. Nourishing the Sun and "Flowery Wars"
15. Tlacahélel's Sumptuary Laws
16. Teaching Kids To Kill
17. Debunking Where Debunking Is Due
18. The Templo Mayor
19. The Fall of Tenochtítlan
20. Conclusion: Tribute & Tributary Empires
21. Critical Appendix I: Our Sources
22. Critical Appendix II: Classical Náhuatl, the Aztec Language
23. Bibliography

I am most grateful to many students and colleagues who have offered comments and corrections on this essay over the years, and especially to Dr. Nancy Friedlander for her thoughtful views and eagle-eyed proof-reading.

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