Who were the Aztec?

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico during the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521. They were primarily Nahuatl-speaking people who dominated large parts of Mesoamerica from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The term "Aztec" is often used to refer specifically to the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan, but it also encompasses other Nahuatl-speaking groups in central Mexico during that era23.

Origins and Society

• Origins: The Aztecs claimed to originate from a mythical place called Aztlán, possibly located in northwestern Mexico. Their migration to central Mexico likely occurred in the 12th century12.
• Society: Aztec society was organized into city-states (altepetl), with Tenochtitlan being the capital of the Mexica. The Aztec Empire was formed as a Triple Alliance between Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan in 142723.

Culture and Economy

• Culture: Aztec culture was rich in philosophy, mythology, and religion. Their pantheon included a variety of gods, with Huitzilopochtli being a central deity for the Mexica3.
• Economy: The Aztec economy was based on trade and agriculture. They used a system of tribute rather than direct territorial control over conquered regions, maintaining local autonomy while ensuring economic dependence on the imperial center23.

Decline

The Aztec Empire declined with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519. The alliance with local city-states opposed to the Mexica, such as the Tlaxcalteca, facilitated the Spanish conquest. The fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521 marked the end of the Aztec Empire23.