The Aztecs Essay

The Aztecs, who originated as a nomadic tribe in northern Mexico. Around the beginning of the 13th century they arrived in Mesoamerica. Their capital city, Tenochtitlan, emerged as the dominant force in central Mexico, developing a complex social, political, religious and commercial organization. That organization brought many of the region’s city/states under their control by the 15th century. They are believed to have begun as a northern tribe of hunter-gatherers. The Aztec name came from that of their homeland, Aztlan or “White Land.”

Aztecs settled their land when they saw an eagle perched on a cactus on the marshy land near the southwest border. That marshy land is called Lake Texcoco. The Aztec people thought it was a sign and decided to settle there. They drained the swampy land and built artificial islands so they could plant gardens and establish foundations of their capital city, Tenochtitlán,

Cortes allies with Tlaxcala, enemies of the Aztec, assault on the empire begins in 1520. The Spanish forces were driven back on the 1st of July. The Spanish and their native allies suffered heavy losses. This is known as la Noche Triste also known as The Sad Night. Around this time Cuitahuac became the tenth king of Tenochtitlán. The Fall of the Empire happened when Cuauhetemoc wass hung by the Spaniards in 1525.

The Aztec clothing of the common people and slaves would sometimes cover very little of their bodies. Maguey clothing was the rule instead of cotton. Slaves would only wear a simple loincloth. The loincloth was also worn by common people. Loincloth was made from a long strip of cloth tied in front. It might be embroidered or have fringes on the two ends, if the man had a little higher social standing. The men would also wear tilmatli or tilma. Tilmatli or tilma was a cloak made from a triangular cloth and could be used as an apron, to carry things, or be worn as a