The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Civilization

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The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Civilization

The Rise and fall of the Aztec Empire is possibly the most important area of study in the modern world. Of all of the nomadic tribes who migrated into Mexico, the Aztecs were one of the last. At first driven away by established tribes, the Aztecs slowly began to develop an empire of immense wealth and power by the late fifteenth century. Due in large part to the accomplishments of their ruler Itzcoatl, the empire expanded to include millions of people from a number of different tribes, including the Cempoala, who would later aid the Spanish in defeating the Aztecs. Because of the "melting pot" within the empire, the Aztecs had a very diverse culture. However, this immense Aztec Empire would soon be brought to its knees by the doings of one man and his army.

On November of 1519, the Aztec leader Montezuma, received reports of small mountains floating off of the Mexican coast. Was it Quetzalcoatl, the legendary figure who had one day promised to return from across the ocean? In his distress, Montezuma sent messengers bearing gifts to ...

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