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Aztec History

A brief history of the Aztecs

Aztec history dates back farther than we can trace at this point. The Aztec's history is deep rooted in the region that we now know as Mexico, and they thrived there for centuries before Europeans ever invaded the lands. Aztec history is as diverse as any other, starting out with the nomadic Mexica people, and ending with one of the greatest civilizations of their time. The Aztecs greatly influenced history by fusing the Spanish and Catholic ways of doing things with their traditional methods. Without the Aztecs and their great history, Mexico as we know it would be a totally different place. Many words in the Mexican dialect of Spanish are in fact not Spanish words at all, but Nahuatl. Chocolate, tomate (tomato), and elote (corn) are all Nahuatl words. Mexico and Aztec history is rich and vibrant, from the games they played, like Ullamazitli, which was significant to the gods as well as politics and social status; to the human sacrifices. Their history paints a picture of a balanced world in which human beings did certain things to please the gods, and in turn the gods provided them with their necessities. Aztec history and way of life was very structured, but at the same time rhythmic and balanced. The Aztec empire was founded (as far as historians can tell) in the 6th century when nomadic peoples started to settle into the Valley of Mexico. By 1376, they had appointed a king, in the 1420s, they went to war and conquered Azapotzalco, gained ever more territory for themselves. Aztec history goes through a many great feats and conquests, reaching its peak in the 1400s. They were quite possibly the greatest civilization in the world up until 1519, when Hernan Cortes joined forces with Tlaxcala, the Aztecs greatest ememy. The fall of the Aztec empire came in 1521 when king Cuauhetemoc finally surrendered to the Spaniards.