Did the Expansion of the Aztec Empire Lead to Their Downfall?


The Aztec Indians originated from a place called Aztlan, somewhere in
north or northwest Mexico. At that time the Aztecs were a small, nomadic tribe
living in the border territory on the margins of civilized Mesoamerica. (see map
I) In the 13th century they settled in the valley of central Mexico. The Aztecs
finally found refuge on a small island in Lake Texcoco, where about 1345, they
founded the town of Tenochtitlan. The island was found through a prophecy which
said they would settle where they found an eagle perched on a cactus. (see
diagram I)
During the next century the Aztecs grew to be greatest power in Mexico.
As they grew in political status they became sophisticated and civilized,
learning from established peoples who had been town dwellers for more than 1,000
years. (Ekholm, Gordon F.)
The Aztec empire consisted of numerous, loosely connected urban
communities. Land ownership was communal. Each local......

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Title: Did The Expansion Of The Aztec Empire Lead To Their Downfall?
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