The Aztec Empire, also known as the Triple Alliance, was a dominant force in Mesoamerica from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Here is a detailed overview:
Historical Background
- The Aztecs were a Nahua people who migrated to the Valley of Mexico in the 13th century.
- They founded their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325, following a prophecy involving an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak.
- Through alliances, warfare, and trade, the Aztec Empire expanded to become one of the largest empires in pre-Columbian America.
Expansion and Structure
Culture and Society
- Aztec Religion was polytheistic, with gods like Huitzilopochtli (god of war and the sun) and Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent god) being central to their mythology.
- The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice to appease their gods, believing it was necessary to ensure the world's continuation.
- Education was highly valued, with schools for both the nobility (calmecac) and commoners (telpochcalli).
- Their Aztec Calendar was sophisticated, tracking both solar and ritual cycles.
Economy
- The economy was based on agriculture, with chinampas (floating gardens) providing a significant portion of the food supply.
- Markets like the one in Tlatelolco were bustling centers of commerce, where goods from across the empire were traded.
Decline and Fall
- The arrival of Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire.
- Internal dissent, alliances with other native groups against the Aztecs, and the introduction of European diseases like smallpox weakened the empire.
- After a two-year siege, Tenochtitlan fell to the Spaniards on August 13, 1521.
Legacy
- The legacy of the Aztec Empire continues to influence Mexican culture, particularly in art, architecture, and cuisine.
- Artifacts and historical records from the Aztec period provide invaluable insights into their way of life and governance.
Sources
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