The Aztec civilization was a Mesoamerican culture that thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the early 16th centuries. Originating from smaller tribal groups, the Aztecs established their capital, Tenochtitlán, on an island in Lake Texcoco, which became one of the largest and most sophisticated cities of its time. Known for their architectural achievements, intricate social structure, and advanced agricultural practices, the Aztecs developed a rich cultural life that included art, music, and religious rituals centered around a pantheon of deities.
The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion that often included human sacrifices as offerings to appease their gods. Their economy was based on agriculture, primarily the cultivation of maize, along with trade. The civilization expanded through military conquests, creating an extensive empire that included various city-states, each of which was subject to the Aztec rulers.
The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century ultimately resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521, marking a profound transformation in the region and paving the way for Spanish colonization. The legacy of the Aztecs endures in modern Mexican culture, language, and traditions.
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