Aztec History and Surviving Sites
The Aztec world included the Mexica capital of Tenochtitlan and other Nahuatl-speaking communities in central Mexico. Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan formed the Triple Alliance, whose rulers expanded their power during the fifteenth century. Temple precincts served public ceremonies, while royal estates combined residences with gardens and water systems.
Surviving places include the successive temple platforms of Tenochtitlan, Malinalco’s rock-cut sanctuary and the channels and pools of Texcotzingo. The sites collection links these remains to articles explaining their construction and use.
Explore Aztec sites
Explore Aztec sites through surviving temple platforms, rock-cut sanctuaries and royal gardens, with maps and articles explaining their remains.
History and society
Learn how the Mexica-led Triple Alliance linked central Mexican city-states through tribute and warfare while Nahua communities maintained distinct rulers, languages and local institutions.
Daily life
See how households in central Mexico connected farming, markets, family, worship and care, and how daily routines differed between the island capital and towns such as Yautepec.