The Aztecs
The Aztecs arrived in Mesoamerica some time around the beginning of the 13th century. Their exact origin is uncertain. In 15th century, they were the dominant force in central Mexico, developing an intricate political, social, religious, and commercial organization that brought many of the region’s city-states under their control. The mighty Aztec empire was at the height of its power when the Spanish ships landed in Mexico in 1519. The Aztecs controlled much of what is now Mexico and Central America from their capital at Tenochtitlan, ruling some 15 million people. Aztec temples rivaled the Egyptian pyramids and their palaces were as fast and sophisticated as any of those in Europe. Within just two years however, the mighty Aztec empire crumbled. Tenochtitlan lay in ruins after a brutal siege led by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes. No great ancient civilization ever fell so far so fast than that of the Aztecs. What happened to them? They had too many enemies for one.
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From their capital at Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs controlled much of what is now Mexico and Central America, ruling some 15 million people. Aztec palaces were as fast and sophisticated as any of those in Europe and their temples rivaled the Egyptian pyramids. But within just two years, the mighty Aztec empire crumbled. And Tenochtitlan lay in ruins after a brutal siege led by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes. No great ancient civilization ever fell so far so fast. For many years, the Aztecs used brutal force against neighboring city-states and tribes, forcing them to pay costly tributes and hand over victims for the human sacrifices central to the Aztec