History glossary
Aztec Empire
a powerful Mesoamerican empire centered on Tenochtitlan, in what is now Mexico City.
- Category
- Empire
- Region
- Modern Mexico
- Date range
- 1428-1521
What it means
The Aztec Empire was built by the Mexica and their allies in central Mexico. Its capital, Tenochtitlan, stood on an island in Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City is today. It ruled through tribute, warfare, alliances, markets, and religious authority before the Spanish conquest.
