When did the Aztec civilization begin? This question has intrigued historians and archaeologists for centuries. The Aztec civilization, known for its rich culture, intricate architecture, and complex social structure, emerged in the central Mexican region around the 14th century.
The exact date of the Aztec civilization’s inception is still a matter of debate among scholars. However, it is widely accepted that the Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico in the early 13th century, settling in the city of Tenochtitlan. The city would later become the capital of the Aztec Empire, a powerful and influential kingdom that controlled much of Mesoamerica.
The origins of the Aztecs can be traced back to the Nahua people, who were part of a larger linguistic group that inhabited the region. According to their oral traditions, the Aztecs were led by a divine ruler named Huitzilopochtli, who instructed them to find a place where they could build a city. This place was identified as a place where an eagle would be perched on a cactus, eating a snake. The discovery of this site marked the beginning of the Aztec civilization.
The Aztecs were known for their advanced agricultural practices, which allowed them to sustain a large population. They built an intricate network of canals and causeways to control water resources and create fertile farmland. Their society was divided into four classes: the nobility, the priests, the commoners, and the slaves. The Aztecs were also renowned for their artistic achievements, including their intricate stone carvings, pottery, and metalwork.
The peak of the Aztec civilization occurred during the 15th and 16th centuries, when they controlled a vast empire that included territories such as present-day Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America. However, their rule was eventually brought to an end by the Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés in 1521. Despite their fall, the Aztec civilization left a lasting impact on the cultural and historical landscape of Mexico and the broader region.
