I went back in time to the Aztec Empire 🪶 The Aztec Empire, flourishing in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century, was a remarkable civilisation known for its complex social structure, advanced engineering, and rich cultural practices. At its heart was Tenochtitlán, a sprawling capital city built on an island in Lake Texcoco, connected to the mainland by impressive causeways and canals. The empire was a triple alliance of three city-states: Tenochtitlán, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, though Tenochtitlán dominated politically and militarily. The Aztecs, or Mexica people, were known for their innovative agricultural systems, particularly chinampas, or floating gardens, which allowed them to sustain a growing population. Their society was hierarchical, ruled by a king or emperor who was regarded as a semi-divine figure, with a priestly class that oversaw elaborate religious ceremonies. The Aztecs worshipped a pantheon of gods, the most prominent being Huitzilopochtli, the sun and war god, and believed human sacrifice was essential to sustain the cosmos. Their warriors were highly trained, and military expansion played a central role in their dominance, as they demanded tribute from conquered territories. However, their emphasis on warfare and tribute ultimately led to resentment among neighbouring peoples, which was exploited by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century. The empire fell in 1521 after a combination of military conquest, alliances between the Spanish and indigenous groups, and the devastating impact of European diseases such as smallpox. Despite its fall, the Aztec civilisation remains a symbol of ingenuity and cultural richness, with its legacy preserved through archaeological remains, historical records, and the cultural heritage of modern Mexico. #aztec #mesoamerica #history #mexico #tenochtitlan #timetravel - @liminaldestinations