Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire, active from the 14th to the 16th centuries in what is now central Mexico, was a powerful and complex civilization known for its advanced architecture, agriculture, and social organization. The capital city, Tenochtitlan, was built on a lake and featured impressive temples and causeways. The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion, often involving human sacrifice. Their economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and tribute from conquered regions. The empire fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, marking a significant turning point in Ancient American history and European expansion in the Americas.