The Aztecs were a powerful Mesoamerican civilization (c. 1300–1521) in central Mexico, known for their capital, Tenochtitlán, and a vast empire built on commerce and conquest. They practiced a complex religion, developed advanced agriculture, and used a 365-day calendar. Synonyms include Mexica (self-identified) or the Triple Alliance.
/wiki/Aztecs video britannica.com/biography/Montezuma-II
(Montezuma II (born 1466—died c. June 30, 1520, Tenochtitlán, within modern Mexico City) was the ninth Aztec emperor of Mexico, famous for his dramatic confrontation with the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.)
Key Aspects of the Aztec Civilization:
- Location & Capital: Established in 1325 on Lake Texcoco, Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City) was a massive, advanced city.
- Culture & Society: Known for engineering (chinampas or "floating gardens"), astronomy, and complex art.
- Religion: Practiced monistic pantheism, with Huitzilopochtli as the patron god of the Mexica, frequently performing human sacrifices for divine favor.
- Fall: Conquered by Spanish forces in 1521.
Usage Examples & Synonyms
- Mexica: The most accurate term the people used to describe themselves.
- Triple Alliance: Referred to the alliance of Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, and Tlacopan.
- Nahua: The linguistic group to which the Aztecs belonged.
- Contextual Usage: "The Mexica (Aztec) warriors marched," or "The Triple Alliance controlled the region."
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