Early Aztec Period (1300–1375 AD)

The Early Aztec Period (1300–1375 AD) marks the rise of the Mexica, ancestors of the Aztecs, in central Mexico. This era saw them formulating their societal structure and establishing the city of Tenochtitlán, which would become a major urban center. During this time, they engaged in trade, formed alliances, and began to influence neighboring cultures. In the context of Mayan history, the Aztecs emerged later than the Maya civilization, which had already established complex societies. The Early Aztec Period set the foundation for the expansive Aztec Empire that would flourish in the centuries to come.