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About the inquiry

This annotated inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Aztec Empire through the study of its capital city, Tenochtitlán. Scholars debate the significance of the role of the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerican culture. While some observers see great innovation in architecture, agriculture and economic systems, others see a simplistic, militaristic, and flawed empire. Further complicating these arguments is the limited number of sources and archaeological evidence.

Compelling Question

What Do the Buried Secrets of Tenochtitlán Tell Us About the Aztecs?

Staging Question

Look at photographs of the excavation of Tenochtitlán in 2012 and use the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) to generate questions about the Aztec city.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: What do the buried secrets of Tenochtitlán tell us about the Aztecs? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, or essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Create an exhibition card for an artifact from Tenochtitlán to make a classroom archaeological/museum exhibit.

Taking Informed Action

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