The Aztecs and their history

The term Aztec was not used to describe a unified set of indians. They consist of three main groups, the Mexicas, Acolhuas and Tepanecas. All of these tribes use the Nahua language. The Aztec empire ruled a 500,000 km sq. (193,051 miles sq.) of land, mostly in the Valley of Mexico, in central Mexico.

The first Aztecs were the Nahua tribes who arrived from northern Mexico in the 6h century. As they move more and more towards south, they crossed paths with other nomadic tribes. Inter-marriages and cultural assimilation followed suit. Religions and culture were mixed creating a hybrid which became the basis of Aztec life. By the 12th century, they formed the city of Azcapotzalco, the center city of the empire where the Tepanecas were the most important tribe.

Around 1248, the Mexicas moved from a place they named Aztlan, a mythical place where the Mexicas fled to seek better lands. By that time, they were many city-states in the Mexico Valley, some of them being Culhuacon and Azcapotzalco. The Culhuacon ruler said it was ok to the Mexicas to settle in the barren Tizapan. Another process of assimilation and integration occurred between the Mexicas and the natives.

The location of the Mexicas’ next home was decided by a dream, a usual method in that times. A dream of an eagle on a thorny pear cactus, clutching a snake in its talons was shown to the people. This was the start of the exodus of the Mexicas from Tizapan to Lake Texcoco, where they built the great city of Tenochtitlan.

For the next few years, these city states progressed in harmony until 1427 when the Aztec Triple Alliance was made between cities Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan. This alliance was literally made out of blood and betrayal. The ruler of the Mexicas was killed prior to the alliance and his death helped the alliance to fruition.

The empire experienced many changes, especially by half-brothers Tlacaelel and Montezuma, the powers behind the throne. They were the major architects of the new Aztec religion and history. Books were burned to create a new beginning for the Aztecs. Thus, the Aztec empire ruled for the next 100 years.

The end of the Aztec empire started when Hernan Cortes landed in the Gulf Coast in 1519. After a few small battles, he joined forces with the Tlatcala, a long-time enemy of the Aztecs. Together they went to the Tenochtitlan gates and arrived on November 8 they year 1519. At first, Emperor Montezuma II, accepted and even paid tribute to the conquistador. This was due to a legend that Cortes was a god that was said to return to the Aztecs in the same year Cortes arrived. This was rejected by historians, who said that it was Spanish propaganda.

Although Montezuma II showered the Spanish with gifts of gold, Cortes kidnapped the emperor and asked for ransom in gold. The amount was duly paid and Cortes continued to rule the Aztecs through the emperor. The Aztecs first revolted after the slaughter at the central temple. There are many versions to this story. Some say that the Spanish were enticed by the gold worn by the nobles and murdered them. Others said that the Spanish were trying to stop a human sacrifice, a tradition that has been practiced by the Aztecs for years.

This was followed by the event of La Noche Triste (The Night of Sorrows). Fearing for his safety, Cortes tried to flee to Tlatcala but was stopped by Aztec guards who fought and killed around 150 Spanish soldiers and 2,000 natives with Cortes barely escaping. It was said the Spanish carried so much gold stolen from their siege that they drowned in the many canals around the city. The Spanish retaliated with their siege on Tenochtitlan which ended on the 13th of August 1521.

There is still much to be discovered about Aztec history. Most of the relics and documents were lost or destroyed by the conquistadors during the Spanish conquest. Idols and statues were destroyed for gold and replaced with statues of the Virgin Mary. Temples and houses were looted and burned. It is truly horrifying to know that the Aztec empire came to an end in such a tragic way.

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Clement is the author of the website called Aztec History where you can find lots of information and stories about Aztec symbols and other interesting Aztec facts.. Visit The Aztecs and their history.

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