The Aztec Empire was a tribute empire based in Tenochtitlan. The Aztec people were indigenous groups of Mexico and they spoke "Nahuatl" language. They governed large parts of Mesoamerica for a long period. They lived and governed from the 13th century to 16th century. Since the 13th century, Aztec civilization thrived in the city of Mexico. When the Spanish arrived, things changed. The Spanish conquistadors were looking for lands to seize. They were looking for gold, silver, slaves and people to spread the Catholic religion to. While on their search for new land to colonize, Columbus discovered a new continent, America. After Columbus's discovery, Francisco de Cordoba landed on the Mexican peninsula Yucatan, and soon, the Spanish were amazed