The document discusses the Americas before Columbus, including that there were over 50 million indigenous people with complex cultures and trade networks but no metal technology or large domesticated animals. It then focuses on the Aztec Empire, describing them as skilled warriors who conquered surrounding peoples and captured enemies for sacrifice. It notes that Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs by 1521 with the help of native allies and the smallpox epidemic. The document also briefly discusses Moctezuma II, the Aztec ruler held prisoner by the conquistadores, and the Columbian Exchange that resulted from contact between the Old and New Worlds.

1. The Americas before Columbus
• 50 million people (?)
• No metal technology
• No large domesticated animals
• Complex trade networks
• Complex cultures and civilizations

3. Aztec Empire

4. Ancient Tenochtitlan

7. Fundacion Tenochtitlan

8. Aztec Warrior Dress in Front of the Shrine of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico City

9. • Skilled warriors
• Weapons from wood,
stone and volcanic glass
• Conquered surrounding
people
• Captives sacrificed

12. Hernan Cortes
• Conquistador
• Landed in Mexico in
1519
• Conquered Aztecs by
1521
• Native allies
– Nahuas
– Tlaxcaltec
– Totonacs
• Small pox

13. Moctezuma II
• Aztec Ruler
• Host and Prisoner of
the Conquistadores
• Details of his death
are disputed

15. Columbian Exchange: The transfer
of living things between the “Old”
and “New” Worlds
“Old World” (Europe, “New” World (North and
Africa, & Asia) South America)
• Horses • Corn
• Pigs • Potato
• Cattle • Tobacco
• Wheat • Beans
• Sugar • Peanut
• Small Pox • Turkey
• Measles