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The Aztec Empire was a powerful and advanced civilization that existed in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. It was known for its impressive capital city, Tenochtitlan, which was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs were skilled farmers, warriors, and architects. They had a complex society with a hierarchical structure and a strong central government. The empire was renowned for its vibrant culture, including art, religion, and rituals. However, the Aztec Empire ultimately fell to the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, marking the end of their reign.
Today’s Wonder of the Day explores the history of a civilization that excelled in agriculture, constructed impressive stone structures, and governed a vast empire. Who are we referring to? The Aztecs, of course!
The Aztecs, who referred to themselves as the Mexica, hailed from a land called Aztlan, which translates to “White Land” or “Land of White Herons” in their native language. The term “Aztec” originated from the name of their homeland.
The exact location of Aztlan remains uncertain today, but experts speculate that it might have been situated in the northwestern region of present-day Mexico. The Mexica migrated to Mesoamerica (southern Mexico and Central America) during the 12th century C.E. They established the city of Tenochtitlán in 1325.
How did they choose the site for Tenochtitlán? According to the Mexica, they received a divine sign from one of their gods instructing them to locate an eagle clutching a snake while perched on a cactus. When the elders spotted this sign, they recognized it as the designated place to build their settlement.
Tenochtitlán was constructed on an island in Lake Texcoco, and its population steadily grew to over 140,000 residents over the following decades. In 1428, the city formed an alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan, two neighboring cities. This alliance granted them control over the surrounding region, establishing the Aztec Empire, with Tenochtitlán as its capital.
Life in the Aztec Empire revolved around a monarch who resided in Tenochtitlán. The population consisted of diverse civilizations, all of which paid tribute to the empire. The Aztecs developed an extensive road network that connected various cities, facilitating travel and trade. Cacao beans served as the primary form of currency for transactions.
The Aztec Empire prioritized education, providing schooling for all children. Similar to modern times, children attended school daily to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the empire as adults. They also learned the empire’s writing system.
In Tenochtitlán, the Mexica employed an advanced farming system. They constructed artificial islands known as chinampas in Lake Texcoco, where they cultivated crops such as beans, maize, and squash. Additionally, the empire built irrigation systems to supply water from the lakes to the surrounding fields for farming.
The Aztec Empire followed a solar calendar consisting of 365 days, akin to the Gregorian Calendar used today. They also adhered to a religious ritual cycle lasting 260 days. Blood offerings and human sacrifices were customary religious practices in Tenochtitlán.
In 1519, the Aztec Empire encountered European colonizers for the first time. Led by Hernán Cortés, a group of Spanish explorers arrived in search of gold. Upon reaching Tenochtitlán, they captured the Aztec king, Montezuma II, and attempted to assume control of the empire in his absence.
The Mexica people resisted the Spanish invaders, forcing them to retreat in 1520. However, Montezuma died while in Spanish custody. The Spanish returned in 1521, and due to the devastation caused by diseases brought from Europe, such as smallpox, many Aztec Empire inhabitants had perished. Consequently, the empire surrendered to the Spanish later that year.
However, there are still remnants of Aztec culture present today. More than a million individuals speak Nahuatl, the native language of the Aztecs. Many people also engage in rituals that are influenced by Mexica culture. Although Tenochtitlán was destroyed by the Spanish, Mexico City was constructed on its ruins.
Regrettably, much of our knowledge about the Aztec Empire is derived from European accounts. While the Aztecs passed down their stories through oral tradition, only a few written records have survived. Presently, scholars continue to examine Aztec texts in order to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient civilization.
Give It a Try
Are you ready to learn more? Enlist the help of a friend or family member and participate in the following activities:
- The ancient Aztec Empire was a thriving civilization, boasting advanced systems of agriculture, trade, and culture. Explore this article to delve deeper into their way of life and culture. Which aspect of their history captivates you the most? Discuss your discoveries with a friend or family member.
- Now that you have gained knowledge about the Aztec Empire, what key points would you share with someone who has never heard of this civilization? Compose a letter offering a brief summary of the Aztec Empire, tailored for someone who is new to the subject. Share your writing with a friend or family member.
- Team up with a friend or family member and explore this collection of Aztec stone sculptures from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Which one do you find the most intriguing? Discuss your choice and explain why you find it captivating. Find out if your friend or family member agrees with your selection.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aztec (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/aztec-civilization/ (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
- https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/the-aztec-people/ (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
- https://www.volkenkunde.nl/en/whats-on-0/exhibitions/aztecs/frequently-asked-questions (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
- https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/01/13/a-beautiful-world-ancient-texts-reveal-aztecs-history-in-their-own-words (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 08 Mar. 2022)
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