The Aztecs controlled a huge empire. They
made the people pay them taxes or tributes. Each city was sent a list of what they must
pay. If they didn't pay ... the Aztecs attacked. As the Aztecs didn't have writing the tribute list was a kind of
picture. The pictures showed how many of each kind of object the Emperor required.
Fingers showed 1 to 10
A flag showed 20
A feather showed 400
Sometimes the Emperor wanted blankets, pineapples,
urns, bowls, honey ... even suits of clothes.
If you aren't clear what the Emperor wants .... have a
guess.
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