Mexicas

The Mexicas, often referred to as Aztecs, were an indigenous Nahuatl-speaking people who dominated large parts of Mesoamerica during the post-classic period of history. Their origins are traced back to a nomadic tribe from Aztlan, a mythical place in northern Mexico. They migrated south, eventually settling on an island in Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico around the early 14th century. It was here that they founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in 1325.

Through a combination of military prowess, strategic alliances, and sophisticated agricultural techniques, the Mexicas rose to become the dominant power in the region. They formed the Triple Alliance with the city-states of Texcoco and Tlacopan, creating a vast empire that stretched across much of central Mexico. The Mexica society was highly structured, with a complex religious system that involved elaborate ceremonies and sacrifices, including human sacrifice. Their economy was based on agriculture, particularly maize cultivation, and extensive trade networks.

The Mexica civilization reached its zenith in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, characterized by impressive architectural achievements, advancements in astronomy and mathematics, and a rich artistic tradition. Their empire, however, was relatively short-lived. In 1519, Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés arrived, and after a series of conflicts and alliances with subjugated peoples, Tenochtitlan fell in 1521, marking the end of the Mexica empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.