What Everyday Life Was Like for the Aztecs

Aztec Government & Society

Tenochtitlan -The Venice of Mesoamerica

Aztec Calendar

Aztec Mythology Creation Story Explained

What Was Aztec Hygiene Like

What Aztecs Were Eating Before European Contact

A Brief History Of Human Sacrifice: The Aztecs

Love-Making And Marriage In The Aztec Civilization

Aztec Army Ranks and Promotion

The Aztec Empire, also known as the Triple Alliance was a coalition of three Nahua city states; Mexico Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco and Tlacopan. This alliance governed the region in and, around the Valley of <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Mexico" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mexico</a> from 1428 until they were defeated by the combined forces of conquistadors and their indigenous allies led by Hernán Cortés in 1521. The formation of this alliance stemmed from factions that emerged victorious in a war between Azcapotzalco and its former tributary territories. While initially envisioned as an alliance of three city states Tenochtitlan eventually rose as the military power. By the time the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Spain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spanish</a> expedition arrived in 1519 Tenochtitlan had assumed control over lands within the alliance while other members played supporting roles. Following its establishment the Triple Alliance engaged in conquests and territorial expansions. At its peak it held sway over much of Mexico along with some regions in Mesoamerica like Xoconochco province—a distant Aztec territory, near todays Guatemalan border. Scholars have referred to governance as "hegemonic" or "indirect." The Aztecs maintained rulers, in cities on the condition that they paid tribute and provided military support when necessary. In exchange the imperial authority ensured protection, stability. Fostered a connected economic network among various regions with significant autonomy. Aztec religion centered around a belief in teotl as the supreme deity Ometeotl alongside a pantheon of lesser gods and natural manifestations. While popular beliefs leaned towards mythology and polytheism the state religion of the empire encompassed both views held by elites and diverse beliefs endorsed by the populace. The empire officially acknowledged cults, particularly honoring the war deity Huītzilōpōchtli at the temple, in Tenochtitlan. Conquered peoples were permitted to practice their religions long as they incorporated Huītzilōpōchtli into their local pantheons.

Aztecs 

Visual Timelines

Aztecs Timeline

Aztecs Timeline

Early Development and Migration

Prologue

Arrival of the Aztecs

Settlement

Consolidation and Expansion

Expulsion

Foundation of the Aztecs

First King Acamapichtli

Huitzilihuitl

Chimalpopoca

Tepanec War

Itzcoatl

Triple Alliance and Golden Age

Aztec Empire

Expansion

Battle of Azcapotzalco

Moctezuma I and Tlacaelel

Tenochtitlán Floods

Nezahualcoyotl Dyke

Axayacatl

Battle of Tlatelolco

Tizoc

Ahuitzotl

Tempo Mayor

Christopher Columbus lands in Santa Domingo

Moctezuma II

Spanish Conquest and Fall of the Empire

Cortez lands in Mexico

Tlaxcalan Alliance

Cholula Massacre

Cortez enters Tenochtitlan

Capture of Montezuma

Massacre in the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan

Death of Moctezuma

La Noche Triste

Battle of Otumba

Smallpox

Fall of Tenochtitlan

Epilogue

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