The Aztec civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the early 16th century. The Aztecs are particularly well-known for their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which was located on an island in Lake Texcoco and served as the heart of their empire. Here are key points about the Aztec civilization:

1. Origins and Migration:
   • The Aztecs, also known as Mexica, were originally a nomadic people from the northern regions of Mexico. According to their legend, they migrated from a place called Aztlan and eventually settled in the Valley of Mexico.
2. Foundation of Tenochtitlan:
   • In 1325, the Aztecs founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco. The city was strategically located and became a major center of trade, culture, and political power.
3. Triple Alliance:
   • The Aztecs formed the Triple Alliance (also known as the Aztec Empire) with the city-states of Texcoco and Tlacopan. This alliance became a dominant political and military force in Mesoamerica.
4. Social Structure:
   • Aztec society was hierarchical. At the top was the emperor, who held both political and religious authority. Below were nobles, priests, commoners, and slaves. Social status was often hereditary.
5. Agriculture:
   • The Aztecs practiced advanced agricultural techniques, including the use of chinampas (artificial islands made from lake mud and vegetation) for farming. Maize (corn), beans, and squash were staple crops.
6. Religion and Mythology:
   • The Aztecs had a complex polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Their mythology included stories of creation, epic tales, and rituals involving human sacrifice to appease the gods, particularly Huitzilopochtli.
7. Architecture:
   • Tenochtitlan was a marvel of Aztec architecture. The city featured large ceremonial precincts, temples, palaces, and causeways. The Templo Mayor was the central pyramid and the main religious center.
8. Trade and Economy:
   • The Aztecs engaged in extensive trade networks. The city of Tenochtitlan was a bustling market center, and trade routes connected it to distant regions. Cocoa beans were used as a form of currency.
9. Conquest of Territories:
   • The Aztec Empire expanded through military conquest and the imposition of tribute on conquered peoples. This expansion contributed to both the wealth and the eventual challenges faced by the empire.
10. Spanish Conquest:
    • In 1519, the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs initially welcomed the Spanish, thinking Cortés might be the returning god Quetzalcoatl. However, the encounter led to conflict, and by 1521, Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish.
11. Downfall and Legacy:
    • The downfall of the Aztec Empire marked the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico. The conquest had profound consequences for the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The Aztec legacy is evident in modern Mexican culture, particularly in art, language, and aspects of religious syncretism.
12. Codices:
    • The Aztecs were known for their codices, which were illustrated manuscripts containing information about their history, religion, and daily life. The most famous surviving codex is the Codex Mendoza.

The Aztec civilization was a complex and sophisticated society with a rich cultural heritage. Despite its relatively short duration, the impact of the Aztec civilization is still felt in modern-day Mexico, where their contributions to art, agriculture, and mythology continue to be celebrated and studied.