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The Aztecs, who should be better known as Mexica are among the most prominent and well-known civilizations in the Americas. They came to central Mexico as immigrants during the Postclassic period and established their capital at what is today Mexico City. In just a few centuries they managed to grow an empire and extend their control over a large portion of Mexico.

This guide will assist you to learn everything you need to know about the Aztec civilization, no matter if you're a a student or an avid Mexican enthusiast.

Where did the Aztecs come from?

The Aztecs of Mexico were not native to central Mexico However, they may originate from north The Aztec mythology of creation suggests they were from a mythical land called Aztlan. They were the oldest Chichimeca nine Nahuatl speaking tribes that migrated south in the aftermath of a drought. After more than two centuries of emigration, in the year 1250 CE, the Mexica arrived in the Valley of Mexico and established their homes on the shores of Lake Texcoco.

What was the Aztec Capital?

Tenochtitlan is the Aztec capital was established in the year 1325 CE. It was named after the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli commanded his migrating people to settle in the place where they would find an eagle perched on a cactus and devouring the snake.

The place proved to be extremely depressing: an area of swampy land around the lakes of the Valley of Mexico. To expand their city, the Aztecs required causeways as well as islands. Tenochtitlan was able to grow quickly due to its strategic location as well as the Mexica military skills. Tenochtitlan is among the largest and most well-organized cities on earth was founded by Europeans.

How Did the Aztec Empire Come into Being?

The strategic location and ability to fight Mexica allowed them to become allies of Azcapotzalco One of the largest cities of the valley of Mexico. After a string success of military campaigns and victories, they were able earn tributes and accumulate riches. Acamapichtli was elected as the first ruler of Mexica as a member of Culhuacan's royal family. This was the reason they became a powerful city-state in Mexico's Basin.

The most significant thing is that in 1428 they joined forces with the cities of Texcoco and Tlacopan, forming the famous Triple Alliance. The Triple Alliance was the political force responsible for the expansion of Mexica in the Basin of Mexico, and further afield, and resulting in the Aztec Empire.

What was the Aztec Economy like?

Three aspects were the foundation of the Aztec economy: tribute payment market exchange, tribute payment, and agricultural production. The famed Aztec market system could facilitate both long and local trade. Markets were often held and a wide range of craft specialists brought produce and other wares from the hinterlands to the cities. Aztec merchant-traders referred to as pochteca traveled across the empire, transporting exotic goods like macaws as well as their feathers across long distances. According to the Spanish, at the time of? The Spanish conquest brought Tlatelolco the biggest market, which was also the sister city of Mexico-Tenochtitlan.

The Aztecs were motivated by the tribute collection in order to conquer neighboring regions. Tributes given to the empire typically included goods or services, according to the distance and status of the city in tributary. The Aztecs built sophisticated agricultural systems within the Valley of Mexico. These included irrigation systems as well as floating fields called chinampas.

After the Spanish arrived, the Aztec empire was overthrown. While the conquer of Mexico was accomplished in several years, the subjugation and repression by the Aztecs was some time and involved a lot of actors. Hernan Westmann Cortes and his army reached Mexico in 1519 , seeking important allies in the subjugated Aztec communities, including Tlaxcallans. They believed that the newcomers had an opportunity to escape the Aztecs.