aztekeilla

The Aztec civilization, also known as the Mexica, flourished in central Mexico during the Postclassic period from the 14th to 16th centuries. Their capital city, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco and became one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world at its height. The Aztecs were renowned for their advanced agricultural techniques, particularly the chinampa system of floating gardens, which allowed them to cultivate crops in the swampy terrain.

Their society was highly structured, with a complex hierarchy of nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and commoners. Religion played a central role in Aztec life, with a pantheon of gods and elaborate ritual practices, including human sacrifice, which was believed to appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the cosmos. The Aztec Empire expanded through military conquest, subjugating neighboring city-states and demanding tribute.

Their achievements in art, architecture, and astronomy were considerable. They developed a sophisticated calendar system and a pictographic writing system. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire. Despite fierce resistance, Tenochtitlan fell in 1521, leading to the collapse of the civilization and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule. The legacy of the Aztecs continues to influence Mexican culture today, evident in language, cuisine, and traditions.