Why Is Montezuma's Empire So Important To The Aztecs?

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According to Sabloff, and Cóttrill, Montezuma’s empire was very educated, industrious, and militaristic. Their literacy rate was high, their architecture was great and, their cities were big. The empire was fragile in some areas because of the requirement of tribute from rebel tribes. Even Montezuma’s Nobles warned him of the danger because of the increase of tribute (because of omen sightings, the Aztecs sacrificed more humans to keep their gods happy and alive). Montezuma’s army kept the rebel armies from revolting. The Tlaxacans tried to revolt and why they swore their allegiance to Cortés, because they had to do send their handsome men and woman to be sacrificed. According to Cóttrill, the empire consisted of 5-6 million people with over a hundred cities. …show more content…
The empire was the strongest empire in the area and the literacy rate in Tenochtitlán. The architecture of most of the buildings were strong because it was a three-four month long siege to take down the city of Tenochtitlán. White men were heard about first in 1515, this was not Cortés’s group. Montezuma probably knew they were there and according to Marks, Montezuma knew they weren’t gods. Although Montezuma wasn’t quite sure, so he played it safe by not attacking them straight on when they landed (History World, Marks, and History Channel). According to Cortés, and Marks, since Montezuma wasn’t completely sure that Cortés was not a god, he sent six chieftains (of rank) with 200 vassals to greet Cortés and give him Montezuma’s word. Montezuma was not sure if Cortés was a god so he decided to be safe and learn more about him. One of the most important things in war is to know your enemy and Montezuma clearly understood
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