Tenochtitlan and Decoding Aztec Symbols Activity
This primary source activity focuses on decoding symbols in the Codex Mendoza's image of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire.
This primary source activity focuses on decoding symbols in the Codex Mendoza's image of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire.
This primary source activity focuses on decoding symbols in the Codex Mendoza's image of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire.
The chosen page is visually exciting, with a map of the city of Tenochtitlan.
Using this page from the Codex Mendoza, students are asked to examine the details closely and attempt to determine the meanings of various symbols. Higher-level questions ask them to consider what these symbols might mean about the Aztecs, using the evidence they see on the page. This engaging activity makes primary sources about the Aztecs come alive!
Answer key included.
For anyone looking to extend the activity further, there is also a set of discussion questions included.
Includes:
The primary source activity (2 pages)
High-resolution image of the Codex Mendoza page for printing
Answer key
Activity extension included with discussion questions
Ways you can use this:
As a standalone activity related to the Aztecs
As a companion to our informational text / reading about the Aztecs.
Independent learning
Homeschooling
