1. Founded Tenochtitlan:
- The Aztec people migrated from the north of Mexico and eventually founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco in 1325 AD.
2. Built an Empire:
- The Aztecs established a powerful empire that expanded across central and southern Mexico by conquering neighboring city-states and forming alliances.
3. Developed Advanced Agriculture:
- They implemented advanced agricultural techniques such as chinampas (artificial islands) and irrigation systems to maximize crop yields and support their growing population.
4. Practiced Religion:
- The Aztecs were deeply religious and worshipped various gods. They built impressive temples, including the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, and performed elaborate religious rituals and ceremonies, often involving human sacrifices.
5. Developed a Calendar and Writing System:
- They developed a complex and accurate calendar system that included both the solar and religious calendars. The Aztecs also had a writing system consisting of logograms and syllabic elements, primarily used for record-keeping and religious texts.
6. Art and Architecture:
- Aztec art and architecture were highly sophisticated and showcased their craftsmanship and artistic expression. They created intricate sculptures, murals, codices (painted manuscripts), and elaborate architecture with pyramids, temples, and palaces.
7. Metallurgy and Trade:
- The Aztecs were skilled metallurgists and worked with various metals, including gold and copper. They also engaged in extensive trade with other Mesoamerican regions, exchanging luxury goods and agricultural products.
8. Education and Society:
- They had a structured educational system that distinguished between commoner and noble education. Aztec society was hierarchical, with the emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, and commoners.
9. Encounter with the Spanish:
- The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century marked a significant turning point in Aztec history. Cortés forged alliances with indigenous groups hostile to the Aztecs and eventually conquered Tenochtitlan in 1521, leading to the fall of the Aztec Empire.