The Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas. It was centered in the Valley of Mexico from the 1300s to the 1500s. The Aztecs built a magnificent capital called Tenochtitlan on an island in a lake. Their empire was rich, organized, and full of amazing achievements.

Tenochtitlan

The Aztec capital was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. Bridges and causeways connected it to the mainland. The city had temples, markets, schools, and aqueducts. When Spanish explorers first saw it, they said it was the most beautiful city they had ever seen.

Aztec Life and Fall

The Aztecs were skilled farmers who grew crops on floating gardens called chinampas. They had a strong army and a complex calendar. In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived. Disease and warfare led to the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521.

Fun Facts

• Tenochtitlan had a population of about 200,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
• The Aztecs played a ball game called ullamaliztli using rubber balls.
• Mexico City was built on top of the ruins of Tenochtitlan.

Did You Know?

The Aztecs invented chinampas, or floating gardens, which were so productive that they could grow seven crops a year.