The Aztecs (1325–1521)
The Mexica (whom we call "Aztecs") founded their capital Tenochtitlán in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco — exactly where they saw an eagle eating a snake on a cactus (now on the Mexican flag). This swampy island became one of the largest cities in the world in just 200 years: 200,000–300,000 inhabitants, magnificent temples, aqueducts, causeways, and markets.
The Aztec Empire
- Expansion: Through war and a tribute system, the Aztecs controlled most of central Mexico by 1500 — over 5 million subjects paid tribute in gold, cocoa, feathers, textiles.
- Human Sacrifice: The Aztecs practiced ritual human sacrifice on a large scale — the exact number is disputed (Spanish sources likely exaggerated), but it was a central part of their cosmology: The gods needed human blood to keep the sun moving.
- Flower Wars: Ritualized wars whose main purpose was the capture of warriors for sacrifices — no killing on the battlefield.
- Culture: Poetry (Nezahualcóyotl was a famous poet-king), botanical gardens, compulsory education for all children, a sophisticated legal system.
The Aztec ruler Moctezuma II. initially received Hernán Cortés as a guest in 1519 — a mistake that led to the destruction of the empire.
