- Built magnificent pyramids and temples, such as the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan.
- Teotihuacan is another great example, with its massive pyramids, temples, and urban planning.
- Their buildings were often decorated with intricate carvings and murals.
2. Agriculture:
- Developed advanced farming techniques, including chinampas, which were artificial islands used for agriculture in shallow lake areas.
- Cultivated a wide variety of crops, including maize, beans, squash, tomatoes, and cacao (used for chocolate).
3. Engineering and infrastructure:
- Constructed an impressive network of roads and canals, facilitating transportation and trade.
- Built aqueducts to bring fresh water to their large cities.
4. Calendar and astronomy:
- Developed a complex and accurate calendar system, known as the Aztec solar calendar or Xiuhpohualli.
- Had detailed knowledge of celestial events, tracked planetary movements, and predicted solar eclipses.
5. Medicine:
- Aztecs had extensive medical knowledge, using various plants and herbs for medicinal purposes.
- Performed surgical procedures and set fractures.
6. Writing and literature:
- Developed a writing system called Nahuatl glyphs, used for record-keeping, historical accounts, and literary works.
- Aztec codices, such as the Codex Mendoza, provide glimpses into their history, culture, and social structure.
7. Art and craftsmanship:
- Aztec art included sculptures, pottery, featherwork, and intricate goldsmithing.
- Their craftsmanship in jewelry and mosaics was highly skilled and admired.
8. Trade and economy:
- Aztecs engaged in extensive trade with other Mesoamerican cultures, establishing markets and trade networks.
- Cacao beans, cotton, and obsidian (a volcanic glass used for tools and weapons) were valuable commodities.
9. Astronomy and Mathematics:
- Built a 250-foot high, 13 ft wide sun temple named Templo Mayor in the present-day Mexico City. The sides were accurately oriented towards cardinal directions.
- Aztec mathematics developed a highly efficient counting and mathematical system based on 20 (vigesimal) and 5 (quinary system) which allowed them to compute astronomical and other scientific problems as well as for taxation and record-keeping.
10. Cultural and intellectual achievements:
- Literature: The Aztecs had a rich tradition of poetry, music, and philosophy. They used hieroglyphic writing to create codices and other documents.
- Art: Aztec artwork is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic representation of gods, nature, and human experiences.
- Religious beliefs: Aztec religious practices involved complex ceremonies, rituals, and offerings to various deities. They built enormous temples, including the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan.
- Social organization: Aztec society was highly structured, with a system of social hierarchies, including the emperor, priests, nobles, warriors, and commoners.
- Education: Aztecs had a formal education system, with schools and specialized training for different professions and skills.