How Did The Aztecs Build A Great Empire

The Aztecs came to Mesoamerica in the 13th century and built their capital city, Tenochtitlan. They were very intelligent and had a remarkable agriculture system which led to a great empire. Also, they made artificial islands, had one of the largest cities in the world, constructed a pyramid called the Great Temple, and eventually got expelled by the Spanish. In addition, the Aztecs increased the size of their empire and and constructed artificial islands where they placed gardens.

“The Aztec civilization was highly developed socially, intellectually, and artistically.” They arrived in Mesoamerica around the 13th century and their arrival came just after the fall of the previous Mesoamerican civilization, the Toltecs. “When they saw an eagle

“The Aztecs were Nahuatl-speaking people who ruled an empire in what is now central and southern Mexico in the 15th and early 16th centuries.” According to britannica.com, “The basis of success in creating a great empire was their remarkable system of agriculture as well as elaborate systems of irrigation and repossession of swampland.” Also, the Aztecs had a highly structured society with a strict caste system in which the nobles were at the top while the serfs were at the bottom. “As the Aztecs power grew, their capital city of Tenochtitlan developed into one of the largest cities in the world.” With over 200,000 residents, Tenochtitlan was one of the most magnificent cities in Mesoamerica and was larger than London, Paris, and

Here, the Aztecs gathered for rituals, feasts, and festivals. Inside the plaza was a stone pyramid called the Great Temple that reached over 150 feet. The temple was decorated with bright sculptures and murals that people could see from miles away. The Great Temple had two staircases leading towards two shrines. One dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the chief god, and the other to Tlaloc, the rain god. According to ancient.eu, “The steps leading to Tlaloc’s temple were painted blue and white, the former color representing water, because that was the element that was strongly associated with the god.” This temple marked the summer solstice, a symbol of the wet season. But, blue and white were not the only colors used. In fact, ancient.eu states, “The steps leading to Huitzilopochtli’s temple were painted bright red to symbolize blood and war.” On the other hand, this temple marked the winter solstice, a symbol of the dry season and a time for