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Understanding the Aztec Civilisation

The Aztec Empire, or the Mexica Triple Alliance, dominated central Mexico in the 14th to 16th centuries. Known for their vibrant culture and powerful military, they established one of the Americas’ most sophisticated societies.

The Origin of the Aztecs

The Aztecs, a Nahuatl-speaking people, migrated from the northern regions. Legends state they came from a mythical land called Aztlan, which gave them their name. Settling in the Valley of Mexico around 1200 AD, they were originally nomadic. The foundation of Tenochtitlán in 1325 marked their settlement’s transformation into an empire. Tenochtitlán would become the capital city, an astounding urban center on an island in Lake Texcoco.

Aztec Society and Hierarchy

Society was structured in a strict hierarchy. At the top was the emperor, known as the Tlatoani, believed to be semi-divine. Below him were nobles, priests, warriors, and craftsmen. Commoners and slaves made up the rest of society. Social mobility was limited, but bravery in battle could elevate one’s status.

The Role of Religion

Religion played a central role, deeply intertwined with governance. The Aztecs practiced polytheism, worshipping many gods, with Huitzilopochtli, the sun and war god, being the most revered. The Great Temple, or Templo Mayor, stood at the heart of Tenochtitlán, a testament to their religious devotion.

  • Human Sacrifice: Sacrifices, including human, were common. The Aztecs believed these offerings were necessary to appease the gods and ensure the sun rose each day.
  • Rituals: Their calendar was filled with festivals and ceremonies dedicated to various deities, each with its own significance.

Aztec Innovations and Achievements

The Aztecs were skilled engineers. Their capital Tenochtitlán featured advanced infrastructure, including aqueducts and causeways. Chinampas, floating gardens, allowed efficient agriculture in the swampy environment. This innovation supported a large population.

Apart from engineering, they developed a hieroglyphic-like writing system and a numeric system for calculations and record-keeping. Their calendar, known for its complexity, had a religious and a solar cycle.

Military Might and Expansion

Military prowess was key to their expansion. Warriors held high status, and military strategy involved forming alliances with conquered territories. The empire expanded south to present-day Guatemala. Conquered peoples paid tribute, enriching the empire.

Trade and Economy

The Aztec economy was diverse, including agriculture, trading, and tribute from conquered lands. Markets were vibrant centers of commerce, with Tlatelolco’s market being the largest. They traded cacao, textiles, obsidian, and other goods. Currency mostly revolved around cacao beans and standardized cotton cloth squares.

Socio-Economic Systems

The calpulli system was a fundamental socio-economic unit, a kinship group owning and allocating land. This system ensured resources were distributed efficiently. The tribute system, meanwhile, was another economic backbone, where conquered regions supplied goods.

The Spanish Conquest

In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived, initiating contact with the Aztec Empire. Cortés formed alliances with indigenous groups hostile to the Aztecs, exploiting internal divisions. In 1521, Tenochtitlán fell to the Spanish after months of siege and warfare. This marked the end of the Aztec Empire, replaced by Spanish colonial rule.

Legacy of the Aztecs

Despite their empire’s fall, the Aztec legacy endures. Their cultural influence remains significant in modern Mexico. Language, culinary traditions, and festivals bear their mark. Many Nahuatl words, like chocolate and avocado, are used today. Archaeological sites like Templo Mayor continue to offer insights into their complex society.

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