The Aztecs are a fascinating subject to study for children and adults alike. Archeological discoveries, tales of Aztec gods, Aztec codices and contemporary reports from the Spanish Conquistadors have meant that there is a wealth of evidence to tell us about the way people lived.
Children can find out about the Aztecs from a range of resources, including stories, information books, television and film and now by using a computer to look at CD-ROMs and the World Wide Web. The Resources section lists useful examples of books and software and the Links section points to valuable World Wide Web sites.
Starting from questions
Below are many questions which could used as the starting point for children's enquiries into different aspects of Aztec life.
Many of the issues raised here are covered in the Hands-on section.
Society
How was Aztec society organised?
What laws did they live by?
How were the Cities organised and governed?
Daily Life
How did Aztecs dress?
What tools did artists, craftsmen and farmers use in their work?
What did Aztecs eat?
How did they farm their land?
What games and toys did Aztecs have?
What sort of entertainment did the people enjoy?
How did the Aztecs travel on land and on water?
What were Aztec houses like?
How was life different for Aztec boys and girls?
Education
What education did Aztec children receive?
How were naughty children punished?
History
When did Aztec people begin to live in Mesoamerica?
Why did they move to Mesoamerica?
How long did the Aztec empire last?
Communication
How was Aztec history written down by their scribes?
How did they record the tributes they received from other places?
Where did the Aztecs merchants travel to trade their goods?
Religion
Which were the major Aztec gods?
How did Aztecs worship their gods?
What was the role of priests in Aztec society?
Why did the Aztec priests sacrifice so many people to their gods?
What did Aztecs believe about life after death?
Geography
What were the important places in the Aztec empire?
Who did the Aztec's trade with?
