FEATURES & DETAILS:
- Copyright: 2004
- Language: English, Spanish
- Color
- MARC records, Catalog Card Kit and Single Main Entry Cards are available
- Features: Chapter Select, Interactive Menu, Discussion Questions & Activities
- Technical: Single Layer, Single Sided, Full Screen
- DVD Region: ALL
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PRODUCT SUMMARY
For sale in U.S. only-- In present-day Mexico, physical evidence of the once-powerful Aztec Empire can be difficult to see. How did such a powerful society and culture virtually disappear? The answer dates back to the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, on a determined quest to claim land and riches for Spain, and spread Christianity. Overcome by the weapons and tactics of the Spanish and their native allies, the great Aztec Empire and its ruler, Moctezuma II, fell. In this program, students learn about the causes of the Aztec Empire’s fall, explore the culture clash that ensued when two very different societies merged and witness the crumbling of the Aztec culture -- from the destruction of its prized architecture to the decline of its population due to enslavement and disease. While Christianity and the Spanish language prevail in Mexico today, traditions and tales of the lost Aztec Empire live on through its remaining Aztec descendants. Part of the multivolume Ancient Civilizations for Children DVD Series.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"These exceptional programs enthrall as they teach, bringing ancient history to life and providing fascinating insight into historical events. A valuable addition to ancient civilization studies."- School Library Journal (Sept 2006)
"...well done for the intended target age...Recommended." - Library Media Connection (Feb 2007)
FULL REVIEWS
School Library Journal (September 2006)
Gr 3-7-These two live-action programs focus on the Aztecs and were filmed on location in Mexico. Ancient Aztec Empire offers an overview of the Aztecs, providing information about their origins and growth into an important civilization. Daily life, agriculture, food, male and female roles, myths, and religion (including human sacrifices) are briefly covered. The Fall of the Empire discusses the arrival of Cortez, the death of Moctezuma II, and the fall of Tenochtitlan. The programs originated with the BBC and are of exceptionally high quality. Historical re-enactments take viewers into the ancient world while beautifully rendered 3-D graphics show maps of the region and views of how the area might have looked during the time of the Aztecs. The female host has a light British accent and provides fascinating information, taking viewers back and forth in time to allow compare and contrast opportunities between Aztec times and modern-day Mexico City. Students examine archaeological evidence of the Aztecs, and learn about some of the theories about their culture. Modern-day celebrations of Aztec heritage are also presented. Englis or Spanish narration is available. Discussion questions and activities, with links back to the video, are included. These exceptional programs enthrall as they teach, bringing ancient history to life and providing fascinating insight into historical events. A valuable addition to ancient civilization studies.
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal. Used with permission.