Aztecs

Cultural  

1. A Native American people who ruled Mexico and neighboring areas before the Spaniards conquered the region in the sixteenth century. Starting in the twelfth century, they built up an advanced civilization and empire. (See Hernando Cortés and Montezuma.)

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Example Sentences

The Teotihuacán is an ancient city, home to massive pyramids, and predates the Aztecs.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

After the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, Mexico’s European overlords used its silver and its agricultural wealth to nourish their global enterprises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

Aztecs sophomore guard Kaelyn Hamilton came off the bench to lead her team with 11 points, while guards Nat Martinez and Nala Williams scored 10 points apiece.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

Díaz Barriga’s contributions included details on how clothing differed depending on the person’s social class, and letting the production know that the Aztecs didn’t have chairs, tables or doors in their daily lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

Conquest of the two large mainland empires, those of the Aztecs and Incas, followed in 1519—1520 and 1532-1533, respectively.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond