Overview

Overview

In the 1400's, the Aztec conquered many groups in central and southern Mexico, forming the Aztec empire and becoming the most powerful people in central Mexico. They referred to themselves by such names as Colhua-Mexica, Mexica, and Tenochca, but they are now commonly known as the Aztec.

The Aztec had one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas. They built cities as large as any in Europe at that time. Their magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlan, was built on the site of present-day Mexico City. The Aztec practiced a remarkable religion that affected every part of their lives. To worship their gods, the Aztec built towering temples, created huge sculptures, and held impressive ceremonies featuring bloody human sacrifices. Their empire was destroyed by the Spaniards, who conquered it in 1521. But the Aztec left a lasting mark on Mexican culture.