The term describes a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries. It was characterized by a complex social hierarchy, sophisticated agricultural techniques, a rich religious system involving human sacrifice, and significant achievements in art, architecture, and astronomy. This civilization’s capital city, Tenochtitlan, was a major urban center built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The political structure was a tribute empire, where conquered territories provided resources and labor to the ruling Triple Alliance.
Understanding this civilization is crucial for comprehending pre-Columbian American history and its interactions with European powers during the Age of Exploration. Examining its economic system illuminates the dynamics of resource extraction and distribution within an imperial framework. Analyzing its religious beliefs provides insight into the worldview and cultural values of the people, and helps to illustrate the impact of interactions between indigenous peoples and the invading spanish.
