What is the Aztec civilization known for?

The Aztec civilization is known for being the last of the great Mesoamerican cultures before the Europeans arrived. They built impressive temple-pyramids, used sophisticated techniques of agriculture, their eagle warriors built a great empire, and they made human sacrifices to their gods.

What are five facts about the Aztecs?

Five facts about the Aztecs are: Their capital was at Tenochtitlan which had many temple-pyramids, palaces, and gardens. They sacrificed humans to their gods, often presenting a person's heart as an offering. The main god was Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent who created the world and brought rain. The Aztecs collected the art of many other Mesoamerican cultures. The Aztec empire collapsed after the arrival of the European Conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1520.

What factors led to the fall of the Aztecs?

The Aztec empire fell after 1520 when the European invaders led by Hernán Cortés arrived with superior weapons and new diseases. In addition, the empire was based on force and so some indigenous groups helped the Spanish to defeat the Aztecs.

In what ways were the Maya, Aztecs and Incas similar?

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca cultures had many similarities. All considered the Sun very important. In their religion, they worshipped many different gods not a single one. Warfare was important and so they built empires. They practised sophisticated agricultural techniques, had well-defined classes in their societies, and they sacrificed humans to their gods.

Where are the Aztecs now?

The Aztec culture disappeared in the 16th century after the European conquest of Mexico but their descendants still lived in the area and the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan eventually became today's Mexico City.

Aztec Civilization Timeline

Definition

The Aztec Empire (c. 1345-1521) covered at its greatest extent most of northern Mesoamerica. Aztec warriors were able to dominate their neighbouring states and permit rulers such as Montezuma to impose Aztec ideals and religion across Mexico. Highly accomplished in agriculture and trade, the last of the great Mesoamerican civilizations was also noted for its art and architecture.

More about: Aztec Civilization

Timeline

1100 - 1200
The Valley of Mexico is first settled by migrating tribes (Chichimecs, Tepanecs, Mexica and Acolhua).
c. 1345 - 1521
The Aztec civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
1345
Traditional date for the founding of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco.
1350 - 1522
The Tarascan civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
1351
New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
1375 - 1395
Acamapichtli reigns as leader of the Aztecs.
1396 - 1417
Huitzilihuitl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1403
New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
1417 - 1426
Chimalpopoca reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1418
Texcoco is temporarily conquered by Mexica and Tepanec forces.
c. 1427
The Sun Stone depicting the ages of the five suns of Aztec mythology is carved and set up at Tenochtitlan.
1427 - 1440
Itzcoatl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1428
The Triple Alliance is formed between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan.
1431
Netzahualcoyotl officially becomes tlatoani or leader of Texcoco.
1440 - 1469
Motecuhzoma I reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
c. 1450
The Aztecs establish a garrison at Mitla in the Oaxaca Valley.
1455
New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
1469 - 1481
Axayacatl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
c. 1473
The Coyolxauhqui Stone is carved depicting the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui, dismembered by the god Huitzilopochtli.
1481 - 1486
Tizoc reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
c. 1485
The Stone of Tizoc is carved depicting the Aztec king Tizoc attacking warriors from the Matlatzinca.
1486 - 1502
Ahuitzotl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1487
The Templo Mayor is completed at Tenochtitlan and inaugurated with the sacrifice of 20,000 captives.
c. 1494
Aztec leader Ahuitzotl conquers the central valleys of Oaxaca.
1502 - 1520
Motecuhzoma II reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1507
New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
c. 1507
The Throne of Motecuhzoma II is carved. Also known as the Monument of Sacred War.
Nov 1519
Motecuhzoma II receives Hernán Cortés at the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan.
1520
Cuitláhuac is briefly the successor to Motecuhzoma II as leader of the Aztec Empire.
30 Jun 1520
Death of Aztec ruler Motecuhzoma II.
7 Jul 1520
Hernán Cortés defeats a large Aztec army at Otumba.
1521 - 1525
Cuauhtémoc reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
1521
Texcoco provides ships and men to aide the Spanish siege of Tenochtitlan.
13 Aug 1521
The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan falls into the hands of Spanish forces led by Hernán Cortés.