Azteca

Azteca

Azteca is a term that refers to the Aztec civilization, a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from the 1300s to the 1520s. The Aztecs are known for their complex social structure, innovative agricultural practices, and significant contributions to religion, art, and architecture. This article provides an overview of the Aztec civilization, including its history, culture, and legacy.

History

The Aztec civilization was founded when the Mexica people, one of the various Nahuatl-speaking ethnic groups, migrated to the Valley of Mexico in the 13th century. They established their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325. Over time, through strategic alliances and military conquests, Tenochtitlan became the dominant power in central Mexico, forming the core of the Aztec Empire.

Society and Culture

Aztec society was highly structured, with a rigid class system dominated by the nobility, priests, and the military. The majority of the population were commoners, who engaged in agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade. The Aztecs are renowned for their agricultural innovations, such as the chinampa system, which allowed them to cultivate crops on artificial islands in lake areas.

Religion played a central role in Aztec life, with a pantheon of gods representing natural and cultural forces. The Aztecs practiced complex rituals and ceremonies, including human sacrifices, to appease their gods and ensure cosmic order.

In the realm of art and architecture, the Aztecs are remembered for their monumental pyramids, temples, and sculptures. Their pictographic and ideographic writing system, as well as their codices, provide valuable insights into their history, religion, and daily life.

Conquest and Legacy

The Aztec Empire came to an end in 1521 when it was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. Despite the destruction and assimilation that followed, many aspects of Aztec culture have persisted in Mexico, influencing its language, art, and cultural practices.

The legacy of the Aztecs is also evident in modern popular culture, where their symbols, myths, and history continue to inspire fascination and admiration.

See Also

• Mesoamerican chronology
• Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire
• Aztec mythology
• Aztec calendar