The Aztecs were originated as a nomadic tribe in Northern Mexico, during the beginning of the 13th century. The Aztecs emerged as a dominant force in central Mexico by the 15th century. The exact origin of the Aztec people are unknown, but are believed to have begun as northern tribe of hunter gatherers. The Aztec language known as the Nahuatl was the dominant language in central Mexico,
it is believed that the Aztecs saw a eagle perched on a cactus on the marshy land near the southwest border of lake Texcoco and took it as a sign to build their settlement there.
The typical Aztec crops included maize, along with beans, squashes, potatoes, tomatoes and Avocados and also did fishing and hunting.
In the year 1428, under their leader Itzcoatl, the Aztecs formed a three way alliance with the Texocans and the Tacubans to defeat their most powerful rival. Montezuma 1 who took power was a great warrior who came to be known as the father of the Aztec empire.
By the early 16th century, the Aztecs had come to rule over up to 500 small states, and some 5 to 6 million people, either by conquest or commerce. Tenochtitlán at its height had more than 140,000 inhabitants, and was the most densely populated city ever to exist in Mesoamerica.
In November 1519, Cortes and his men arrived in Tenochtitlan, where Montezuma and his people greeted them as honored guests according to Aztec custom,Aztecs had superior numbers, their weapons were inferior, and Cortes was able to immediately take Montezuma and his entourage of lords hostage, gaining control of Tenochtitlan. The Spaniards then murdered thousands of Aztec nobles during a ritual dance ceremony, and Montezuma died under uncertain circumstances while in custody.
Due to the European diseases such as small pox, measles many Aztecs were killed as they lacked immunity. As many of them were killed many in a house together died the houses were pulled down as it became their tombs.
It was believed that lastly after death of their emperor Montezuma his nephew ruled the empire which was later taken down by the Europeans ending the Aztec civilization.
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