During the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, Central America was dominated by the culture and civilisation of a people known to us as the Aztecs.

The origin of the Aztecs is uncertain, but according to their own traditions, they came from a place called Aztlan, north of the Mexican plateau. Aztlan has not yet been identified and it is possible that it was a mythical place. The Aztecs called themselves chichimecas – hunter-gatherers – a role assigned to them by their patron god, Huitzilopochtli. Early in the twelfth century, the Aztecs left Aztlan upon the orders of Huitzilopochtli to wander for two hundred years in search of the spot chosen for them by their god. Their search ended at Lake Tetzcoco when they saw the long awaited sign from Huitzilopochtli – a majestic eagle landed on a prickly pear, holding in its claws a serpent, which it proceeded to tear apart and devour. In 1325, the Aztecs founded their city of Tenochtitlan on that spot, the site of modern-day Mexico City.

Over the next two hundred years, the Aztecs rose in power and prominence from a small tribe of hunter-gatherers to the rulers of the largest and richest empire in Central America.  The basis of the Aztec success was their system of intensive agriculture, which helped in the creation and sustenance of a rich and populous state. At its peak, Tenochtitlan covered more than 13 sq. kms, and had more than 140,000 inhabitants.

The Aztec civilisation was still in the process of evolving and expanding when it was brought to a sudden and complete end in 1519 by the appearance of the Spanish explorers. The last Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II, was taken prisoner by the Spanish leader Hernan Cortes and died in custody. In 1521, the Spaniards captured and destroyed Tenochtitlan.

The Aztecs had a large number of gods and goddesses who influenced or controlled all aspects of life. The Aztecs believed that the gods had been created in an age before humans, and were made of a substance that human beings could not see or feel.

Here are some of their fascinating stories for you to read.