Aztec Empire Discussion

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The Aztecs were likely a nomadic tribe originating from northern Mexico who arrived in Mesoamerica around the beginning of the 13th century. They saw an eagle perched on a cactus on the marshy land near Lake Texcoco and took it as a sign to build their settlement there. After draining the land they constructed artificial islands to plant gardens and establish the foundations of their great new capital Tenochitlan. This sophisticated agriculture system combined with a powerful military enabled the state to transform itself into an empire. Under the leader Itzcoatl, the Aztecs made key alliances to defeat their most powerful rival the Tepanec and conquer their capital Azcapotzalco. By the 16th century the Aztecs had ruled up to 500 smaller states with a population exceeding 5 or 6 million people. The Aztec civilization was highly developed socially, intellectually and artistically. There was a highly structured society with nobles, serfs, servants and slaves. The Aztec faith shared aspects with other Mesoamerican religions like that of the Maya which included the rite of human sacrifice.