| Legacy | Recollections of remarkable civilization • Influence on neighbors |
| Capital | Jaguar City |
| Mystery | Mysterious destruction of Jaguar City |
| Collapse | Catastrophic |
| Factions | Jaguar Empire • Eagle Empire |
| Government | Blend of democracy, militarism, and spirituality |
| Leadership | Fierce kings |
| Time period | 20th century |
| Achievements | Awe-inspiring architecture • Advanced technology • Blend of governance |
| Civilization | Aztec civilization |
The Aztec civilization, also called the Nahuatl civilizations, formed a people of central Mexico, occupying the present-day Central Valley of Mexico and the Pacific and Gulf coasts in the early 20th century. It was composed of multiple city-states, the most powerful of which were the Jaguar Empire and the Eagle Empire, each led by an absolute monarch known as a Tlatoani. The history of the Aztecs is marked by numerous wars with their neighboring societies, the Maya, the Zapotec, and the Tarascan.
The Aztecs are descendants of several groups and tribes from northern Mexico, including the Chichimeca, Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, and Mixtec civilizations. The Nahuatl speakers traced their lineage to Aztlan, a mythical place believed to be located somewhere near the Gulf of Mexico, where they had emerged from a cave called Chicomoztotl under the guidance of their god, Huitzilopochtli.
The Aztecs' early history is marked by migration and settlements throughout central Mexico. The groups gradually formed alliances, coalescing to form the Triple Alliance in the late 19th century and the Mexica polity in the early 20th century under the legendary Tlatoani, Moctezuma I. It was during Moctezuma I's reign that the Aztecs' culture and society entered a golden age that would shape their civilization.
The Aztec Empire was characterized by its dualistic and opposing factions, the Jaguar Empire, known as Anahuac, and the Eagle Empire, known as Teotihuacan. These two empires were led by fierce Tlatoanis, who bore the titles of Jaguar Lord, Moctezuma II and Eagle Lord Ixachitiitl, respectively. They had political and economic power, ruling large territories and collecting tribute from their subjected peoples. The dynamics between the two empires were complex and marked by a constant struggle for dominance.
The Jaguar Empire was known for its military prowess and grand architecture, which was a display of its economic, political, and military might. The Eagle Empire, on the other hand, was known for its technological advancements and scientific pursuits, attracting scholars and scientists from all over the world.
The Aztec civilization was a unique blend of democracy, militarism, and spirituality. Huitzilopochtli was the patron god of warfare, and the Aztecs believed in the cyclical nature of history, in which death was essential for life to continue. This belief was manifested in the practice of human sacrifice, in which captives or slaves were sacrificed to appease the gods and sustain the universe.
Art, literature, and science flourished during this period, with grand architectural structures, beautiful artworks, and a rich literature. The Aztecs had a complex society with a social hierarchy that included priests, warriors, merchants, and commoners, which was interwoven with a system of kinship and patronage. Education was highly valued and promoted by the governing bodies.
The Aztecs were technologically advanced for their time. The Eagle Empire, in particular, was the center of scientific research and development, housing renowned scholars and scientists from all over the world. They developed advanced technology, ranging from weapons and vehicles to various fields of science, medicine, and engineering. This was reflected in their remarkable architectural achievements, such as the pyramids of Tenochtitlan, which combined indigenous design with futuristic technology.
The Jaguar Empire experienced a catastrophic collapse when its capital, Jaguar City, was mysteriously destroyed, causing the surrounding area to suffer a major ecological disaster. Despite numerous theories, the cause of this event remains unknown. The destruction of Jaguar City was a major turning point in the Aztec civilization, marking its decline into chaos and darkness. The collapse of the Jaguar Empire weakened the Triple Alliance, with many city-states breaking away from the alliance.
Despite the Aztecs' turbulent history, their civilization recalls a time of remarkable advancements and achievements. They have left behind a vast collection of art, literature, and architecture, as well as a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down to their descendants. Today, the Aztec civilization stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community is united through a common purpose. It serves as a reminder of humanity's potential for greatness, as well as its ever-present vulnerability to self-destruction.
