The Aztecs: the Terror Empire

The Aztecs believed that human blood – especially hearts – pleased their gods. The Aztecs thought that this was necessary for success in battle and for good conditions at home. So they gave the gods more and more hearts!

The Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico around 1168. In the following years they wandered around. It is difficult to find out about this time as the Aztecs later destroyed evidence of their humble beginnings. Their warlike nature made them unpopular. Eventually, in 1325, they settled in the place where their god had said that they would find an eagle perched on a cactus holding a snake in its beak. There they began the lake city of Tenochtitlan.

They were so warlike and terrifying that many cities surrendered to them. Those that did not surrender were usually defeated in battle and their soldiers sacrificed. Once they conquered an area they made no attempt to win over the people. These new people were simply terrified into obeying the Aztecs and giving them ”tribute” – or being sacrificed.

The Empire became huge, with five million people. It was controlled by the powerful Emperor. The Empire also allowed the Aztecs to trade in gold, silver, copper, pearls, crops, and animals. These goods were taken in tribute from conquered places. The Empire also provided victims for sacrifice. The Aztecs were ruthless.

The centre of the Empire was Tenochtitlan. It was a weird mixture: it was built using incredible technology, yet was a place of savage cruelty. The city was huge, with up to 300,000 people – far bigger than European cities at that time. The design was a grid system with canals. It was an island linked to the mainland by causeways – each was wide enough to allow over ten people to walk across side by side. It even had aqueducts to carry water.

So this terror Empire grew. Its success was based on terror, skill, and determination. Blood flowed, and its conquered people trembled.

James Green: Native peoples of the Americas, Oxford University Press, 1993, page 28 f.