Aztec Civilization

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. They were known for their advanced social, political, and economic systems, as well as their impressive architecture and art.

Analogy

Think of the Aztec civilization like a highly complex board game. Each piece (or aspect of society) had its own role and functioned within an intricate set of rules. Just like in a game where you need to strategize and plan ahead, the Aztecs had sophisticated systems for agriculture, trade, education, and warfare.

Related terms

Mesoamerica: A historical region in North America that extends from approximately central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica.

Tenochtitlan: The capital city of the Aztec Empire which was located on an island in Lake Texcoco in central Mexico.

Nahuatl: The language spoken by the Aztecs.