The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilisation that flourished in central Mexico between the 14th and early 16th centuries. They were known for their advanced society, powerful military, and impressive architecture.

Where was the Aztec Empire located?

The Aztec Empire was located in what is now central Mexico. Its capital city, Tenochtitlán, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City now stands.

Why did the Aztecs practice human sacrifice?

The Aztecs believed human sacrifice was necessary to please the gods and keep the universe balanced—primarily to ensure the sun would rise and crops would grow.

Aztec Empire | Origins, Society, Collapse

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Summary

Origins and Formation
Political Structure and Governance
Society and Culture
Military and Expansion
Spanish Conquest and Collapse

Key Facts And Information

Let’s find out more about the Aztec Empire!

The Aztec Empire was a powerful civilisation that ruled much of central Mexico from the 1300s to the early 1500s. Its capital, Tenochtitlan, was a large and impressive city built on a lake. The empire was known for its strong army, complex religion, advanced farming, and large cities. The Aztecs used tribute from conquered peoples to grow their wealth and power. Although they achieved great success, the empire fell in 1521 after the Spanish conquest, which brought disease, war, and major changes to the region.

Flag of the Aztec Empire

Origins and Formation

The people who later built the Aztec Empire were part of a larger group called the Nahua, who were descended from Chichimec peoples. These people came from the north of what is now Mexico, arriving in central Mexico in the early 1200s. Most of them settled in the Valley of Mexico and nearby areas. They created small, independent city-states, each led by a local ruler called a tlatoani.

The Mexica were the last of these Nahua groups to arrive, coming into the Valley of Mexico around 1250. By then, most of the good farmland had already been taken. The Mexica first settled in a poor area called Chapultepec, where they worked as mercenaries (soldiers for hire) for nearby city-states like Culhuacan.
There is a well-known story about the Mexica and the king of Culhuacan. After helping him in battle, the Mexica asked for one of his daughters to rule over them. But instead of honouring her, they sacrificed her by removing her skin, following the orders of their god Xipe Totec. The king was furious and forced the Mexica out of the area.
Homeless once again, the Mexica wandered until they saw a divine sign—an eagle sitting on a cactus, eating a snake—on a small island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. Taking this as a message from their gods, they built their new city there in 1325. They called it Tenochtitlan, which would grow into the capital of the Aztec Empire.
In the early years, the Mexica were still weak and had to pay tribute to a stronger city called Azcapotzalco, ruled by King Tezozomoc. However, the Mexica helped this city grow its power by fighting in wars and collecting tribute. In return, the Mexica gained more land and respect. In 1372, their first true king, Acamapichtli, was chosen. He was part of both the Mexica and the noble Culhua family, which helped give the Mexica more political respect.
As Tenochtitlan became stronger, it got involved in wars between powerful city-states. It supported Azcapotzalco in its war against Texcoco and was rewarded with more land and tribute. The Mexica also became known as skilled warriors, with a focus on capturing enemies instead of killing them, because prisoners were needed for religious sacrifices.
In 1426, the powerful king Tezozomoc died, and a civil war broke out among his successors. A new king named Maxtla took the throne of Azcapotzalco, but he was cruel and greedy. He turned against the Mexica and other cities. After the death of the Mexica ruler Chimalpopoca, a new king named Itzcoatl rose and led the Mexica to rebel.

Tenochtitlan in 1519

Itzcoatl joined forces with the city of Texcoco, whose rightful ruler Nezahualcoyotl had been driven into exile, and with another smaller city called Tlacopan. In 1428, they defeated Maxtla and Azcapotzalco in what became known as the Tepanec War.
After their victory, the three cities, Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, made a treaty and formed the Triple Alliance. They agreed to share the tribute from conquered lands, but over time, Tenochtitlan became the most powerful partner.

Political Structure and Governance

The Aztec Empire, although often described as a strong central state, was actually made up of many city-states (called altepetl) that were partly independent. These were held together by military power, trade, religion, and law. At the centre of this system was the Triple Alliance with Tenochtitlan becoming the most powerful over time.

Rule Through Tribute and Control

Instead of ruling directly over all lands, the Aztecs used a system where they forced defeated city-states to pay tribute (taxes on goods and labour). After conquering a city, they often allowed the local ruler to stay in power, as long as they stayed loyal and paid tribute regularly. This approach helped the Aztecs expand their empire without too much resistance.
The empire included many different peoples, some of whom did not speak Nahuatl, the Aztec language. Because of this, the empire wasn’t tightly joined together. Control was kept through threats, marriages between ruling families, shared religious practices, and a steady flow of wealth to the capital.

The Altepetl

The altepetl was the basic unit of government, society, and religion. Each altepetl had its own tlatoani (ruler) who was in charge of politics and religion. Even as the empire grew, the altepetl stayed important in running daily life. They supplied soldiers, tribute, and local leadership.

Tenochtitlan’s Central Power

At the top of the empire was Tenochtitlan, ruled by the Huey Tlatoani (Great Speaker). He was like an emperor. He led the army, made foreign policy decisions, and acted as the highest judge. People believed he was chosen by the gods and represented the god Huitzilopochtli on earth.
The Huey Tlatoani had a council of four top advisors, usually military leaders or experienced officials. This council also helped choose the next ruler. There was another important official called the Cihuacoatl, who acted like a prime minister and managed the city of Tenochtitlan.

Government Workers and Regional Control

The Aztec Empire had workers who collected tribute, kept records, and supervised provinces:
- Calpixque: Local tribute collectors
- Huecalpixque: Senior tribute officials in charge of many areas
- Petlacalcatl: Managed tribute storage and supplies
In places where the Aztecs feared rebellion, they sometimes sent military governors (cuauhtlatoani) to keep control.

Nobles and Merchants

The noble class (pipiltin) had the highest jobs in government, religion, and the army. They owned land and received special education. Nobles often became judges, priests, and army leaders.
The pochteca, or long-distance traders, were commoners but had special status. They travelled far to trade and also acted as spies. Senior pochteca had their own courts and judges, which showed that trade was important to Aztec rule.

Laws and Legal Systems

Law helped keep order in the empire. The most advanced laws were made in Texcoco under King Nezahualcoyotl. He created a written legal code with 80 laws. These laws:
- Were written down and followed formal rules
- Were used the same way no matter the person’s social class
- Had harsh punishments carried out in public
- Were based on evidence and legal trials
These laws were written about later by Spanish priests and Texcocan historians. Texcoco’s system was one of the most organised in Mesoamerica and showed a move from traditional customs to formal law.
In Tenochtitlan, laws were developed under Moctezuma I. They followed Nahua traditions and banned things like stealing, murder, damaging property, drunkenness, public nudity, and homosexuality.
Tenochtitlan had a legal system with several levels:
- Local courts in markets dealt with everyday cases
- Appeal courts reviewed important or difficult cases
- Two high courts in the capital handled major cases, one for local problems, and one for the provinces
- Military courts judged soldiers and civilians in war
The Huey Tlatoani was the highest judge and chose all the other judges. There was a system for appeals, although it was limited.

Religion and Power

Religion and government were deeply connected. The ruler was believed to be chosen by the gods and had to keep balance in the world through war and sacrifice. War was seen as a sacred duty, and prisoners of war were often used in rituals.
This belief system helped justify Aztec rule and expansion. It also helped keep people loyal by making the social order seem natural and approved by the gods.

Society and Culture

The society and culture of the Aztec Empire were deeply connected to their beliefs, social structure, and way of life. They had a complex and hierarchical society with various classes, each playing a specific role in the functioning of the empire. Their culture was rich in art, religion, and ceremonies, reflecting their strong connection to their gods and the natural world.

Social Structure

Aztec society was divided into several social classes, and each class had specific rights and duties.

1. Nobles (Pipiltin)

The highest class in Aztec society was made up of the nobles (pipiltin). They were the ruling families and had power over land, military affairs, and religious ceremonies. Most nobles were related to the tlatoani (rulers) of city-states or the royal family of Tenochtitlan. Nobles were educated in the ways of religion, law, and warfare. They also had privileges like exemption from taxes and tribute.

2. Commoners (Macehualtin)

Below the nobles were the commoners (macehualtin), the common people who made up the majority of the population. This class included farmers, traders, artisans, and labourers. Most commoners lived in the countryside and worked on farms or in villages, while others worked as skilled artisans or merchants. Commoners had the right to own land, but they were still under the control of the nobility and had to pay tribute to them.

3. Enslaved people (Tlacotin)

At the bottom of the social hierarchy were the enslaved people (tlacotin). Slavery was common in Aztec society, but it was different from the form of slavery in other parts of the world. Enslaved people could be bought, sold, or traded, but they were also allowed to own property and sometimes had the opportunity to earn their freedom. Slavery in the Aztec Empire was often the result of warfare, debt, or punishment for crimes.

4. Priests (Tlamacazqui)

Priests (tlamacazqui) were an essential part of Aztec society. They were responsible for maintaining religious practices, performing rituals, and guiding the people in their spiritual lives. They had high status and often came from noble families. They were educated in religious texts, astronomy, and other sacred knowledge, and they played a crucial role in ceremonies, including the important human sacrifices to the gods.

Family and Marriage

The family was the basic unit of Aztec society. Families were typically arranged in extended households, with grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes uncles and aunts living together. Families often worked together to grow food, create goods, or manage the household.
Marriage was an important social contract in Aztec culture. Men usually married when they were in their late teens or early twenties, and women typically married in their teens. Marriages were arranged by families, and the husband and wife were expected to contribute to the household and raise children. Polygamy was practised, with wealthy men often having more than one wife, but most common men had only one.

Religion and Beliefs

Religion played a central role in Aztec life. They believed in many gods, each of whom governed different aspects of the world. These gods were believed to need human sacrifices to stay strong, particularly sacrifices of prisoners taken in war. This practice was tied to their belief in the cyclical nature of time and the need to appease the gods to ensure the survival of the world.
Huitzilopochtli: The sun god and god of war, Huitzilopochtli was one of the most important gods to the Aztecs. They believed that through human sacrifice, especially warriors, they could ensure the sun would rise each day and maintain the balance of the universe.
Quetzalcoatl: Known as the feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl was the god of wind, wisdom, and life. He was a creator god and a key figure in Aztec myths and ceremonies.
Tezcatlipoca: The god of night and the ruler of the heavens. Tezcatlipoca was associated with conflict and change, and the Aztecs believed he could bring about both creation and destruction.

Art and Architecture

Aztec art was highly developed and included everything from sculpture to featherwork. Their art often had religious significance, with many works depicting gods, warriors, or ceremonial events. They were skilled in creating intricate jewellery, pottery, and textiles. Their featherwork was especially famous and valued, used in clothing, shields, and headdresses, often featuring bright, colourful feathers from birds like quetzals.

Aztec architecture was also impressive. The most notable example of their building skills is the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, a large pyramid-shaped temple dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, the rain god. This temple was at the heart of the capital city and was the site of many important rituals, including human sacrifices.

Templo Mayor

Education

Education was important in Aztec society, especially for the nobility. The calmecac was a special school for the sons of nobles, where they learned religion, law, and military strategies. The telpochcalli was for commoners, where boys learned practical skills like farming, trade, and warfare. Education was mandatory for both boys and girls, although girls were mostly trained for domestic life and their future roles as mothers and wives.

Calendars and Timekeeping

The Aztecs had a complex system of timekeeping, using two main calendars. The Tonalpohualli was a 260-day ritual calendar, while the Xiuhpohualli was a 365-day agricultural calendar. These calendars helped the Aztecs track religious ceremonies, festivals, and agricultural activities.
They also believed in cycles of time, where each era was associated with a different sun and god. They believed their era was the fifth sun, and that it would eventually end through natural disasters.

Festivals and Ceremonies

The Aztecs held many festivals throughout the year, often connected to the agricultural calendar and their religious beliefs. These festivals were marked by feasts, music, dancing, and sacrifices. One of the most significant festivals was the Panquetzaliztli, celebrating Huitzilopochtli, which included great ceremonies, including the sacrifice of captives.

Military and Expansion of the Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire started growing after the Mexica, led by Itzcoatl, defeated the Tepanecs, a strong group in the Basin of Mexico. Itzcoatl joined forces with Nezahualcoyotl, the ruler of Texcoco, and together they expanded their territory. Their first targets were nearby city-states like Coyoacan in the Basin of Mexico, and Cuauhnahuac and Huaxtepec in what is now the Mexican state of Morelos. These areas were rich in agricultural goods, which brought in more tribute for the empire.
After Itzcoatl died, Moctezuma I became emperor. His expansion efforts slowed down due to a severe four-year drought in the Basin of Mexico around 1450, but once the drought ended, the Aztecs went back to war and reclaimed lands. They expanded further east toward the Gulf of Mexico and south into Oaxaca. By the time Moctezuma I died in 1468, the empire had grown significantly.
When Moctezuma I died, his son, Axayacatl, took over in 1468. His main job was to secure the lands that the Aztecs had already conquered. Many provinces were unhappy with the Aztec rule, and some rebelled. But Axayacatl still managed to maintain control of most areas.
In 1472, the Purépecha Empire, located in what is now western Mexico, started to challenge Aztec power. The Purépechas had invaded the Toluca Valley, an area the Aztecs had conquered. Axayacatl sent his army to reclaim the region. Though he won back the area, the Purépecha forces dealt a heavy blow to the Aztecs in 1479, killing or capturing most of the Aztec army. This defeat ended Aztec efforts to expand further west, and Axayacatl chose not to challenge the Purépechas again.
When Axayacatl died in 1481, his brother Ahuitzotl became emperor. Ahuitzotl spent the first part of his reign putting down rebellions and securing the empire. Once the empire was stable again, he launched new military campaigns.
Ahuitzotl focused on expanding to the Oaxaca Valley and the Soconusco Coast, which were important for trade and resources. He also took the border city of Otzoma, which had been a source of tension with the Purépecha. The population of Otzoma was either killed or forced to flee, and Ahuitzotl turned the city into a military outpost to defend against future attacks. The Purépecha responded by building fortresses to stop Aztec expansion, but Ahuitzotl continued pushing west toward the Pacific coast of Guerrero.
By Ahuitzotl’s reign, the Mexica (Aztecs) were the dominant group in the Aztec Triple Alliance While the Triple Alliance was still technically in charge, the Mexica Emperor started to take the lead, using the title “Huehuetlatoani” (“Eldest Speaker”) to show his senior position.
Moctezuma II became emperor in 1502 and spent most of his time strengthening the lands already conquered by his ancestors. In 1515, he ordered another attack on the Purépecha Empire, but the Aztecs were not able to take any land. They only raided Purépecha territory and were forced to retreat after suffering losses.
During Moctezuma’s reign, the Mexica rulers became the most powerful faction in the Triple Alliance. After Nezahualcoyotl’s death in 1472, the Mexica effectively became the rulers of the alliance. Moctezuma also made several changes to centralise power, such as removing many of Ahuitzotl’s advisors and executing them for disloyalty. He also abolished the quauhpilli class, which had allowed commoners to rise to nobility. This reinforced the power of the Mexica nobility.

Spanish Conquest and Collapse of the Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire collapsed shortly after the arrival of the Spanish in 1519. Though the Aztecs ruled a large and powerful empire, they were not ready for the weapons, strategies, and Indigenous people alliances brought by the Spanish. The conquest was led by Hernán Cortés, a Spanish commander who ignored orders from his governor and launched an invasion of Mexico with only about 630 men.
Cortés first landed on the island of Cozumel, where he found a shipwrecked Spaniard, Gerónimo de Aguilar, who spoke Mayan and became his first translator. Later, in the town of Campeche, he received another translator, a woman named Malintzin, who spoke both Nahuatl and Mayan. She quickly learned Spanish and became a key advisor and cultural translator, helping Cortés communicate with local people and leaders.
Cortés travelled to Cempoala, a city under Aztec control, where he met the Totonac leaders. These leaders were unhappy with the high taxes and control of the Aztec Empire. Cortés encouraged them to resist and even helped them briefly imprison an Aztec tribute collector. After gaining their trust, the Totonacs gave him 20 groups of soldiers.
Later, Cortés marched inland to the powerful city of Tlaxcala, whose people were long-time enemies of the Aztecs. At first, the Tlaxcalans fought the Spanish, but after several battles, they agreed to join forces with them. Cortés now had a large native army, including thousands of Tlaxcalan and Totonac warriors.
On the way to Tenochtitlan, Cortés and his army stayed in the city of Cholula. Cortés said he heard of a planned attack against him, and in response, he ordered a massacre of many Cholulan nobles and civilians. This brutal act shocked local people and showed how far Cortés was willing to go.
Cortés and his allies entered Tenochtitlan in November 1519. Emperor Moctezuma II welcomed them, offering gifts and a place to stay in the palace of a former ruler. Some believe Moctezuma thought Cortés might be a god or simply wanted to avoid war.

Arrival of the Spanish in the Aztec Empire in 1519

Soon after their arrival, two Spaniards were killed in the city of Veracruz by an Aztec noble. Cortés used this event as an excuse to take Moctezuma prisoner in his own palace. Though Moctezuma remained emperor in name, he was now under Spanish control. While Cortés was away dealing with a second Spanish army sent to arrest him, his deputy Pedro de Alvarado led a deadly attack during an Aztec religious ceremony, killing many unarmed nobles. This caused a full uprising.
When Cortés returned, the Aztecs had elected a new emperor, Cuitláhuac. Moctezuma was rejected by his people and killed, some say by the Spanish, others by angry Aztecs.
After Moctezuma’s death, the Spanish tried to escape from Tenochtitlan during the night, in an event now called La Noche Triste (The Night of Sorrows). They were discovered and attacked. Many Spanish and native allies died, and some drowned while carrying stolen gold.
The survivors escaped to Tlaxcala to recover. At the same time, a smallpox outbreak, brought by the Spanish, spread through the Aztec population. With no immunity, more than half of the people in the Valley of Mexico died, including Emperor Cuitláhuac.
Cortés returned in 1521 with a much larger army of up to 100,000 soldiers, most of them native allies like the Tlaxcalans, Totonacs, and Texcocans. The city of Texcoco, once part of the Aztec Triple Alliance, had now become a Spanish ally.
Cortés ordered boats to be built from pieces of his old ships to use on Lake Texcoco. With these, he blockaded Tenochtitlan and cut off food and supplies. Over several months, fierce battles were fought on the causeways and the lake. The Spanish and their allies slowly captured nearby towns and broke into the city.
Tenochtitlan fell on 13 August 1521. The city was almost completely destroyed in the fighting. The last emperor, Cuauhtémoc, was captured while trying to escape. Cortés kept him alive for several years but later had him killed in 1525. After the fall, the Spanish built Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan.
Reasons for the Aztec Defeat:
- Spanish weapons and horses: The Aztecs had never seen guns, steel swords, or horses. These gave the Spanish a big advantage in battles.
- Alliances with local people: Most of Cortés' army were native allies who hated the Aztecs for past mistreatment.
- Disease: Smallpox and other illnesses killed millions of native people and weakened the Aztecs before and during the final battles.
- Political mistakes: The Aztecs welcomed the Spanish as guests and waited too long to fight. The capture of Moctezuma and internal problems also hurt their defence.
The fall of Tenochtitlan marked the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish rule in Mexico. Spanish control spread quickly, and Catholicism became the main religion. Indigenous traditions, temples, and rulers were replaced or destroyed. However, some parts of Aztec culture, including language, food, and customs, still remain in Mexico today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Aztec Empire

Who were the Aztecs?
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilisation that flourished in central Mexico between the 14th and early 16th centuries. They were known for their advanced society, powerful military, and impressive architecture.
Where was the Aztec Empire located?
The Aztec Empire was located in what is now central Mexico. Its capital city, Tenochtitlán, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City now stands.
Why did the Aztecs practice human sacrifice?
The Aztecs believed human sacrifice was necessary to please the gods and keep the universe balanced—primarily to ensure the sun would rise and crops would grow.

Aztec Empire Facts & Worksheets

Aztec Empire facts and information plus worksheet packs and fact file. Includes 5 activities aimed at students 11-14 years old (KS3) & 5 activities aimed at students 14-16 years old (GCSE). Great for home study or to use within the classroom environment.