The term identifies the group that established the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica. Originating from northern Mexico, this civilization migrated southward, eventually settling in the Valley of Mexico. Their capital city, Tenochtitlan, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, became a major urban center and the heart of their expanding power.
Understanding this civilization’s role is crucial for comprehending pre-Columbian American history and the complex political, social, and economic systems that existed prior to European contact. Their sophisticated agricultural techniques, impressive architectural achievements, and intricate religious beliefs significantly shaped the region. The subsequent Spanish conquest drastically altered their trajectory and irrevocably changed the course of history for the indigenous populations of Mesoamerica.
