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An Aztec Empire

An Aztec Empire

By Simon Cross

With an Empire spanning across most of modern-day Mexico, the Aztecs were the leading power within the country for several centuries before Spanish invasion finally put paid to their rule.  A long period of dominance enabled the Aztecs to leave an indelible mark on the culture of modern day Mexico.  A huge number of Aztec temples and pyramids remain, offering a deep insight into the lives of its citizens during this fascinating period, making Mexico a must-visit destination for anyone who considers themselves a history buff. 
 
The site where Mexico City now resides was built by the Spanish over the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan following the Conquistadors’ destruction of the city.  Most Aztec buildings were demolished, and therefore there is little evidence of the Aztecs within the city.  The archaeological site at Templo Mayor is a welcome exception to this rule.  Found in the North-East part of the city, the site was officially excavated between 1978 and 1982, and contained several hundred artefacts which gave scholars a greater understanding of the Aztec way of life.  The site’s Museum gives visitors to the country the change to see these rare objects for themselves, and revel in the rich history of this historical capital.  Different rooms within the museum are dedicated to different aspects of Aztec culture, with areas set aside for curios used for human sacrifice easily the most compelling.
 
A more complete Aztec site is located just outside the city of Toluca.  Calixtlahuaca is an ancient city invaded by the Aztec empire sometime in the late 15th Century, and thanks to the quality of the standing structures, a gateway into further understanding of the Aztec people.  Due to the restoration of some parts of the ancient city, visitors to the site can walk around the impressive monuments and get a real feel for what life in the time of the Aztecs was like. 
 
With human sacrifice at the heart of Aztec religion, anyone wishing to learn more about this mysterious practise should definitely visit Teotihuacan, chillingly known as “the Pyramid of Death”.  The base of this imposing structure, known officially in Aztec times as “the Pyramid of the Moon” is full of pits where both humans and animals were buried alive in an effort to appease the various gods.  When visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can feel a sense of unease as you imagine what those condemned to the sacrificial alter were thinking.  The site is also significant for other reasons, with many theorists thinking that it acted as the blue-print for all future city design within the Aztec Empire.  Such high historical makes the site essential viewing, and well worth the 30 mile journey from Mexico City.
 
Those who prefer to see a historical site that hasn’t been made-up to its former glory will appreciate El Tepozteco, within the state of Morelos.  The site was constructed in honour of the god Tepoztecatl, a patron pulque, a popular alcoholic drink at the time, according to experts, although is theory is disputed.  This quiet location, without the crowds that can dominate some of the other key Aztec sites allows visitors to gain a more authentic grasp of the practises of the Aztec people.  Despite the site’s decline, there is an unquantifiable majesty about the area, and you can understand how the might of the Aztecs spread so strongly throughout Mexico.  

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