The Aztecs

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texts and modern archaeology continue to reveal, beyond the violence of their conquests and many of their religious practices, there were more positive achievements: the formation of a highly specialized and stratified society and an imperial administration; the expansion of a trading network as well as a tribute system; the development and maintenance of a sophisticated agricultural economy, carefully adjusted to the land; and the cultivation of an intellectual and religious outlook that held society to be an integral part of the cosmos. The yearly round of rites and ceremonies in the cities of Tenochtitlan and neighboring Tetzcoco, and their symbolic art and architecture gave expression to an ancient awareness of the interdependence of nature and humanity. remain the most extensively documented of all Amerindian civilizations at the time of European contact in the 16th century. Spanish friars, soldiers, and historians and scholars of Indian or mixed descent left invaluable records ...

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since the decline of Teotihuacan. When he died in 1426, the towns paying tribute to Atzcapotzalco extended beyond the basin in every direction.
By the late 14th century the Mexica were paying tribute to Tezozomoc, principally in the form of warrior formations that took part in campaigns of conquest under Tepanec command. As endeavors progressed, Mexica levies were allowed to wage war on their own and to enjoy an income of tribute. By 1426 the Mexica of Tenochtitlan had risen from tributary status to de facto allies of Atzcapotzalco, for they were now major tribute gatherers in their own right and serious contenders for power. A turning point came when Tezozomoc died. Taking ...

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