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 Most of us are familiar with the popular media’s portrayal of the Aztecs as a people who practiced human sacrifice. But the Aztec culture and society encompassed much more than this one sensationalized component.
Did you know?
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As Farmers, the Aztecs transformed wetlands and dry hillsides into lush, cultivated fields and fed a nation on a bounty of food.
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As Artisans and Merchants, the Aztecs sculpted magnificent works of art, created prosperous markets, and established long-distance trade networks.
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As Warriors, the Aztecs conquered territories and established an elaborate tribute system to build a powerful empire of some ten million people.
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As Rulers, the Aztecs presided over a complex religious, military, and administrative structure and engineered towering stone temples and sophisticated waterworks—all without the aid of metal tools.
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As High Priests, the Aztecs tracked time with advanced calendars and conducted ceremonies of human sacrifice that they believed helped maintain order in both the universe and society. |
 But where did the Aztecs come from? And how did they establish their remarkable capital city, which formed the hub of their huge empire? Origin stories and archaeology tell us much about the Aztecs' beginnings...
Continue through the Introduction: Aztec Origins. >>
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