The Aztec Empire
TL;DR
The Aztec Empire was a powerful civilization that developed in central Mexico in the 14th century. Their society was highly structured and militaristic, with a complex religion that included human sacrifice. Despite their achievements in agriculture, art, and architecture, the Aztecs were ultimately conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. 2)
Five Minute Fill
The Aztec Empire, also known as the Mexica Empire, was one of the most significant civilizations in Mesoamerica. Its origins can be traced back to the 13th century, when a tribe of Nahua people migrated from the north and settled in the Basin of Mexico. Over the course of several decades, the Mexica allied with neighboring city-states and gradually expanded their territory through military conquest.
By the early 15th century, the Aztecs had become the dominant power in central Mexico, with a capital city called Tenochtitlan that was home to over 200,000 people. They were organized into clans based on family ties, and their social hierarchy was rigidly stratified. At the top of the pyramid were the emperor and his family, followed by nobles, priests, merchants, and commoners.
The Aztecs were known for their military prowess, and war was a central part of their society. They conducted frequent raids on neighboring territories and used the captives for human sacrifice, which they believed was necessary for pleasing their gods. The Aztecs also had a complex religion that included a pantheon of gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with natural phenomena like the sun, moon, and rain. They also practiced divination and astrology, and their calendar system was highly advanced.
Despite their reputation as a bloodthirsty empire, the Aztecs were also accomplished in other fields. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, including the use of floating gardens called chinampas, which allowed them to cultivate crops even in urban areas. They also had a vibrant artistic tradition, producing finely crafted pottery, textiles, and jewelry, as well as monumental sculpture and architecture.
In 1519, the Aztecs encountered the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. The Spanish were initially welcomed by the Aztecs, but tensions soon arose over issues of land and resources. In 1521, after a long and bloody war, the Spanish succeeded in conquering Tenochtitlan and overthrowing the Aztec Empire. This event marked the end of an era in Mesoamerican history and the beginning of a new era of colonial rule. Despite their defeat, the legacy of the Aztecs endures in the art, culture, and traditions of Mexico and beyond.