The Tribute System:
* The Aztecs, after conquering a city-state, would force them to pay tribute, a regular payment of goods, resources, and sometimes even manpower.
* This tribute system was not just about resource acquisition. It was also designed to integrate conquered peoples into the Aztec empire.
* The Aztecs encouraged the adoption of Aztec language, culture, and religious practices among the conquered. This assimilation process would help to solidify Aztec power and maintain control.
* However, it's important to remember that this was a forced assimilation, and many conquered peoples resisted or held onto their own cultures and traditions.
Other Examples:
* Integration into the Aztec military: Conquered peoples were sometimes incorporated into the Aztec army, further promoting cultural exchange and loyalty to the empire.
* Intermarriage: The Aztecs encouraged intermarriage with conquered peoples, leading to a gradual blending of cultures.
* Religious syncretism: The Aztecs would sometimes incorporate elements of conquered cultures' religions into their own, adding a layer of complexity to their beliefs.
Important Note:
* While assimilation was a powerful tool for the Aztecs, it wasn't always successful. There were many instances of resistance and rebellion against Aztec rule.
* The Aztecs' assimilation practices were part of a larger process of empire building, but they also resulted in a complex and diverse society that was ultimately undermined by its own internal tensions.