Aztekët

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in the Valley of Mexico from the late 13th to the mid-16th century. They are renowned for their advanced urban planning, complex social structure, and sophisticated religious beliefs. The Aztecs were part of the larger Nahua-speaking peoples, who had migrated to the region from the north around the 13th century. Their capital, Tenochtitlan, was a bustling city-state located on an island in Lake Texcoco, which was connected to the mainland by causeways.

The Aztecs were organized into a hierarchical society with a strong emphasis on the divine right of rulers. Their religious beliefs centered around the worship of multiple deities, with Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, being one of the most prominent. The Aztecs also practiced human sacrifice as a means of appeasing their gods and ensuring the fertility of the land.

Aztec society was characterized by a complex social structure, with nobles, commoners, and slaves occupying distinct positions. The Aztecs were skilled in agriculture, particularly the cultivation of maize, beans, and squash, which formed the basis of their diet. They also had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and mathematics, which they used to create intricate calendars and architectural structures.

The Aztecs' interactions with the Spanish, who arrived in the late 15th century, were marked by conflict and eventual conquest. The Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, exploited internal divisions within the Aztec empire to gain control of Tenochtitlan. The fall of the Aztec capital in 1521 marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec civilization, which was eventually absorbed into the Spanish colonial empire.

The Aztecs left a lasting legacy through their architectural achievements, artistic expressions, and cultural practices, which continue to influence Mesoamerican cultures today. Their rich history and complex society provide valuable insights into the civilizations of ancient Mexico.