description Aztec/Mexica Civilization Overview
The Aztec or Mexica civilization was a Mesoamerican society that dominated the central valley of Mexico during the 14th and 15th centuries. Centered on the island city of Tenochtitlan, founded circa 1325, they constructed a vast tribute empire known as the Triple Alliance. The civilization ended following the Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, which resulted in the destruction of their capital.
help Aztec/Mexica Civilization FAQ
When was the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan founded?
Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec or Mexica civilization, was founded around the year 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco. It eventually grew into the center of the Aztec Triple Alliance empire before being destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
What was the Aztec Triple Alliance?
The Triple Alliance was a military and political pact formed in 1428 between three Nahua city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. This powerful coalition allowed the Aztecs to dominate the central valley of Mexico and extract massive amounts of tribute from conquered territories.
Why are the Aztecs also referred to as the Mexica?
The term "Aztec" was popularized by 18th and 19th-century historians, but the people actually referred to themselves as the Mexica. This is why the modern country derives its name from this civilization, as their capital city became the foundation for modern-day Mexico City.
Who was the primary Aztec god of the sun and war?
Huitzilopochtli was the primary deity of the Mexica, revered as the god of the sun and war. According to their mythology, he guided the Mexica people to Lake Texcoco, where they saw an eagle eating a snake on a cactus—the sign to build Tenochtitlan.
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