The Aztec Empire rose from humble beginnings to dominate central Mexico through military might and strategic alliances. Their complex society, with its intricate social hierarchy and economic system, was built on a foundation of agriculture, trade, and religious beliefs.

At the heart of Aztec culture lay a polytheistic religion that demanded human sacrifice to appease the gods. This practice, along with internal divisions and European diseases, ultimately contributed to the empire's downfall when Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519.

Rise and Expansion of the Aztec Empire

Origins and Establishment of the Aztec Empire

• The Aztec Empire, also known as the Triple Alliance, was a confederation of three city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, which were located in the Valley of Mexico
• The Aztecs began as a nomadic tribe from the north, settling in the Valley of Mexico around the 13th century CE
• The Aztecs founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325 CE, according to legend

Military Conquests and Territorial Expansion

• Through a series of military conquests and alliances, the Aztecs expanded their empire to control most of central and southern Mexico, as well as parts of Guatemala, by the early 16th century
• The Aztec Empire was characterized by a system of tribute and trade, with conquered city-states required to pay tribute in the form of goods and services to the Aztec rulers

Aztec Society: Structure and Organization

Social Hierarchy and Political Structure

• Aztec society was hierarchical, with the emperor (Huey Tlatoani) at the top, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, commoners, and slaves
• The emperor was considered a divine ruler and held absolute power over the empire, with the assistance of a council of nobles and military leaders
• Aztec society was divided into calpullis, which were clan-based units that owned land collectively and provided labor and tribute to the state

Economic System and Trade

• The Aztec economy was based on agriculture, with the primary crops being maize, beans, and squash
• Chinampas, or floating gardens, were an innovative agricultural technique used to increase crop yields
• Craft specialization and long-distance trade were important aspects of the Aztec economy, with merchants playing a significant role in the distribution of goods throughout the empire (obsidian, cacao, feathers)

Religion and Human Sacrifice in Aztec Culture

Aztec Religion and Pantheon

• The Aztec religion was polytheistic, with a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses representing various aspects of nature and human life (Huitzilopochtli, Tlaloc, Quetzalcoatl)
• The Aztecs believed that the gods required human blood to maintain the balance of the universe and ensure the continuation of the world

Human Sacrifice and Religious Rituals

• Human sacrifice was a central component of Aztec religious rituals, with thousands of individuals, often war captives or slaves, sacrificed annually in elaborate ceremonies (Templo Mayor)
• The most important Aztec ritual was the New Fire Ceremony, held every 52 years to ensure the renewal of the world and the continuation of the sun's journey across the sky
• Aztec priests held a prominent position in society, as they were responsible for conducting religious ceremonies, interpreting signs from the gods, and maintaining the sacred calendar (tonalpohualli)

Fall of the Aztec Empire

Arrival of the Spanish and Military Conflict

• The arrival of the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire
• The Spanish had superior military technology, including horses, steel weapons, and firearms, which gave them a significant advantage over the Aztecs
• Cortés formed alliances with indigenous groups, such as the Tlaxcalans, who were rivals of the Aztecs and resented their rule

Factors Contributing to the Aztec Defeat

• The introduction of European diseases, particularly smallpox, decimated the Aztec population, weakening their ability to resist the Spanish invasion
• Internal political divisions within the Aztec Empire, including the unpopularity of the emperor Moctezuma II, contributed to the empire's vulnerability

Spanish Conquest and its Impact on Aztec Civilization

Destruction and Suppression of Aztec Culture

• The Spanish conquest resulted in the destruction of Tenochtitlan and the collapse of the Aztec Empire by 1521
• The Spanish imposed their own political, economic, and religious systems on the indigenous population, leading to the suppression of Aztec culture and beliefs
• The introduction of Christianity led to the destruction of many Aztec temples and the forced conversion of the indigenous population

Colonial Exploitation and Cultural Syncretism

• The Spanish established a system of encomiendas, which granted Spanish colonists the right to exploit indigenous labor and resources
• The Aztec language, Nahuatl, and other indigenous languages were gradually replaced by Spanish, although elements of these languages survived and influenced the development of Mexican Spanish
• Despite the devastation caused by the conquest, aspects of Aztec culture, such as art, architecture, and cuisine, continue to influence Mexican culture to this day (Day of the Dead, Aztec-inspired murals)