Aztecs

Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521. The Aztec culture is generally grouped with the cultural complex known as the Nahuatl because the culture was based on the Nahuatl language.

History

The Aztecs were a tribe in northern Mexico who migrated to Mesoamerica in the 13th century. There, they established the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The capital of the Aztec empire was Tenochtitlan, which was built on an island in Lake Texcoco in modern-day Mexico City.

Society

Aztec society was highly structured, based on agriculture, and guided by a religion that pervaded every aspect of life. The Aztecs worshipped gods that represented natural forces that were vital to their agricultural economy.

Religion

Aztec religion was a complex interaction of gods, dates, directions and colours. It was a polytheistic religion with a variety of gods and goddesses. The most important god was Huitzilopochtli, the sun god and the god of war.

Art and Culture

Aztec art was a very important aspect of their culture. They used symbolism in their art and in their rituals. The Aztec language, Nahuatl, was also an important part of their culture, and many of their works of literature are still read today.

Decline

The Aztec Empire fell in the 16th century when Spanish conquerors, led by Hernán Cortés, allied with other tribes of the region to siege Tenochtitlan.

See Also

• Mesoamerican civilizations
• Tenochtitlan
• Nahuatl language
• Huitzilopochtli
• Hernán Cortés