Historical Encyclopedia
The Aztecs were an ancient civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Their capital, Tenochtitlan, was located in what is now Mexico City and was one of the largest and most influential cities in pre-Columbian America. The Aztecs created a complex state structure, a rich culture, and a powerful army, and they had a significant impact on the entire region.
According to legends, the Aztecs' ancestors came from the north, from a mythical place called Aztlan. In search of a suitable place to live, they crossed many territories until they settled by Lake Texcoco. According to the legend, the gods foretold that they should build a city where they would see an eagle sitting on a cactus and holding a snake. This prophecy came true, and in 1325 the Aztecs founded Tenochtitlan, which soon became the center of their civilization.
The Aztec state was a powerful military power and a confederation of city-states. The main political structure was the Triple Alliance, consisting of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. The Aztec army played a key role in their society: conquests not only brought territorial expansions but also invaluable resources that supported the economy of the state.
At the head of the Aztecs was an emperor, or "Huey Tlatoani" — the supreme ruler, chosen from members of the ruling dynasty. Notable rulers such as Montezuma I and Montezuma II expanded the borders of the state and ensured the flourishing of the civilization, but with the conquest by the Spaniards, Aztec rule came to an end.
Religion played an important role in the lives of the Aztecs, defining both public and personal life. The Aztecs believed in many gods, each responsible for different aspects of the world. The most revered deities included Huitzilopochtli — the god of war and sun, Tlaloc — the god of rain, and Chalchiuhtlicue — the goddess of water.
One of the most well-known aspects of Aztec religion was human sacrifices, which they believed helped maintain the balance of the world. These rituals were conducted to appease the gods and sustain the solar cycle. Victims were usually selected from prisoners of war captured during military campaigns.
The Aztecs were skilled scholars and inventors. They created complex calendars, such as the 260-day ritual calendar Tonalpohualli and the 365-day solar calendar. Additionally, the Aztecs developed medical techniques and used natural remedies to treat various ailments.
The Aztecs used pictographic writing for record-keeping, creating codices and describing historical events. These images and symbols conveyed essential concepts and ideas, and they were also used to record religious texts and state chronicles.
Aztec architecture and art are characterized by monumentality and complexity. They built grand temples, pyramids, and palaces that served as centers of public and religious life. The architecture reflected their religious beliefs and culture and was used for conducting rituals and celebrations.
Among the most famous structures of the Aztecs are the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, built in honor of Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, the pyramids, and the Tlaltelolco market — one of the largest trade centers in the region. These buildings testify to the high level of architectural development and engineering skills of the Aztecs.
The Aztec economy was based on agriculture and trade. They cultivated corn, beans, squash, peppers, and other crops. Chinampas — floating gardens created on Lake Texcoco — played an important role, allowing them to feed a large population.
The Aztecs actively traded with neighboring peoples, exchanging goods, textiles, handicrafts, and precious stones. Trade not only supported the economy of the state but also fostered cultural exchange and the development of ties with other civilizations in the region.
In the early 16th century, the Aztec civilization faced a new challenge — the arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. In 1521, after a prolonged siege, Tenochtitlan fell, and the Aztec Empire was destroyed. The main reasons for the fall included epidemics introduced by Europeans, lack of resources, military defeats, and betrayal among the local population.
Despite the conquest, the legacy of the Aztecs continues to live on. Their achievements in architecture, medicine, astronomy, and art have significantly influenced subsequent cultures. Modern descendants of the Aztecs in Mexico preserve the traditions and customs of their ancestors, and archaeological excavations continue to reveal new facts about the life and culture of this civilization.
Today, many descendants of the Aztecs continue to live in central Mexico, preserving ancient languages, traditions, and customs. The culture of the Aztecs, their art, and architecture attract the attention of tourists and researchers, and their symbols — such as the eagle on the cactus depicted on the Mexican flag — remind us of the greatness of this ancient civilization.
The Aztecs left an indelible mark on the history of Mesoamerica. Their achievements in science, architecture, art, and politics significantly impacted the development of the region and continue to be studied by modern scholars. The civilization of the Aztecs is not only a story of power and greatness but also a lesson on how external and internal threats can lead to the fall of even the most powerful empires.