Historical Encyclopedia
The Aztecs, or Mexica, were one of the most powerful civilizations that existed in pre-Columbian America. They developed their culture and statehood in the territory of modern central Mexico from the 14th century, with their capital being the legendary city of Tenochtitlan. Unlike the European Middle Ages, the Aztec civilization developed in parallel but according to its own laws and with unique characteristics. In this article, we will examine how the Aztecs evolved during the medieval period, their social structure, culture, religion, and military power.
The Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico in the early 13th century. According to legend, they came from the mythical land of Aztlán, from which their name derives. Initially, the Aztecs were a nomadic people, but over time they became sedentary, mastering agricultural methods and city-building. They established a central position among the local peoples and eventually became the dominant force in the region.
By the early 14th century, the Aztecs founded Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco. This city later became the capital of their empire and one of the most powerful and influential cities in Mesoamerica. This period marked the beginning of the rapid growth of Aztec civilization.
Aztec society was strictly hierarchical. At the top stood the supreme ruler, known as the "Tlatoani." This ruler held absolute power and was responsible not only for governing the state but also for religious rituals. The Tlatoani had advisors, military leaders, and priests who assisted him in governing the country.
Aztec society was divided into several classes. The nobility and priests occupied the top of the pyramid, enjoying significant privileges. Below them were artisans, traders, and warriors, who formed an important part of society. The majority of the population consisted of peasants and common laborers who engaged in agriculture and worked the land owned by the state.
An important component of the Aztec political structure was military expansion. The conquest of new lands and peoples allowed the strengthening of power and the replenishment of the resources of the empire. Conquered territories paid tribute to Tenochtitlan, making it an economically powerful city-state.
Religion played a central role in the life of the Aztecs. Their pantheon of gods was incredibly diverse, with the main deities embodying natural forces. One of the principal deities was Huitzilopochtli — the god of war and sun. Sacrifices were offered to him to sustain the eternal movement of the sun across the sky.
The Aztecs believed that the world goes through cycles of creation and destruction. Each cycle ended in catastrophe, and only regular sacrifices could postpone this end. Sacrifices were a crucial part of their rituals. Human sacrifices, especially of captured warriors, were offered to the gods to ensure the continuation of life and the protection of the empire.
The Aztecs also believed in an afterlife and the existence of several levels of the underworld, where souls went depending on their actions and manner of death. One such place was Mictlan — the land of the dead, ruled by the god and goddess of death.
The foundation of the Aztec economy was agriculture. The Aztecs developed complex irrigation systems and agricultural technologies that allowed them to grow food on islands and swampy areas of Lake Texcoco. One of the key technologies was chinampas — floating gardens that increased the area of arable land and provided high yields.
The main crops grown by the Aztecs included maize, beans, squash, amaranth, and peppers. These products formed the basis of their diet and were also used for trade. In addition, trade and crafts played a significant role. Large markets existed in Tenochtitlan where various goods could be purchased — from food to items made of gold and precious stones.
The Aztecs were one of the most warlike civilizations in Mesoamerica. Their army played a key role in expanding the empire and maintaining control over conquered territories. Aztec warriors were organized into a clear hierarchical structure, and their primary goal was to capture prisoners for sacrifices and expand the state's territories.
Military training began at an early age, and every man was obliged to undergo training in martial arts. There were several military orders, such as the orders of the jaguars and eagles, whose members were the most elite warriors. They were distinguished by their high level of training and bravery in battle.
Conquered territories were required to pay tribute to the Aztecs, which contributed to the economic prosperity of Tenochtitlan. However, constant military campaigns also drained resources and created discontent among the subjugated peoples, which later became one of the reasons for the weakening of the Aztec empire.
Aztec culture was rich and multifaceted. Art played an important role in their daily life and religious rituals. The Aztecs created magnificent works from stone, gold, clay, and feathers. Their sculptures were marked by realism and symbolism, especially the depictions of gods and mythical beings.
Music and dance were also an integral part of Aztec culture. Dances were performed during religious festivals and military rituals. Musical instruments such as drums, shells, and flutes were used to create rhythmic compositions that accompanied ceremonies.
The Aztecs had a rich literary tradition. They used pictographic writing to record important events, religious texts, and stories. These records, known as codices, remain an important source of information about the life and culture of the Aztecs.
The Aztecs actively interacted with other peoples of Mesoamerica. They engaged in trade, formed alliances, and entered into conflicts with various tribes. The Toltecs played a particularly important role in their contacts, from whom the Aztecs borrowed many elements of culture, including architecture and religion.
However, the Aztec empire began to face difficulties in maintaining control over conquered peoples, leading to the emergence of internal conflicts and discontent. This played a decisive role during the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century.
The Aztec civilization in the Middle Ages achieved remarkable success in the areas of military affairs, economics, culture, and religion. Despite internal contradictions and external pressures, the Aztecs created a powerful empire that became one of the greatest civilizations in Mesoamerica. However, their ambition for expansion, as well as their unwavering adherence to religious rituals such as sacrifices, ultimately contributed to their weakening and made them vulnerable to external threats — the Spanish conquistadors.
The legacy of the Aztecs continues to live on in modern Mexican culture; their art, architecture, and traditions have left an indelible mark on the history of humanity.