The culture of the Aztec Empire existed in Mexico prior to the Spanish conquest. The Aztecs were American Indians who settled by Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Lake Texcoco was swampy and not the best place to settle, but the Aztecs adapted to the land and made it suitable for growing crops. Their capital city flourished and at its height was one of the largest cities in the world - much larger than most cities in Europe at the time. Over many years of expansion, they had built themselves an empire, only to lose it all in the Spanish conquest of Mexico during the 1500s. The Aztec Empire emerged... Show more

The culture of the Aztec Empire existed in Mexico prior to the Spanish conquest. The Aztecs were American Indians who settled by Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Lake Texcoco was swampy and not the best place to settle, but the Aztecs adapted to the land and made it suitable for growing crops. Their capital city flourished and at its height was one of the largest cities in the world - much larger than most cities in Europe at the time. Over many years of expansion, they had built themselves an empire, only to lose it all in the Spanish conquest of Mexico during the 1500s.

The Aztec Empire emerged around the 13th century and it was dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century.

Aztec culture had a rich mythology connected to its religion which demanded human sacrifice. This may sound barbaric but the Aztecs were quite civilised. They had a complex calendar, well developed religious traditions and amazing buildings and pyramids. They also traded in some foods which have become popular, not just in Mexico, but throughout the world, such as maize and, perhaps more importantly, chocolate.

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