Author(s): Brenda Ralph Lewis

General History

The Aztec empire centred on Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City) embraced nearly all the peoples of central America during the 15th and early 16th centuries. Renowned for their architecture, agriculture, jewellry and textiles, the Aztecs also developed a form of pictographic writing and a complex calendar system. However, they are chiefly, if unfortunately, remembered for their human sacrifices; tearing the heart from the living body to offer to their Sun god. This introduction to one of the world's most fascinating lost civilizations examines its history and culture, and concludes with an account of its violent destruction by the Spaniards in 1521.