How did the Aztecs both build on the achievements of earlier Mesoamerican cultures and develop new traditions to create their large empire?
Answer previewThe Aztec empire is one of the largest and most powerful dynasties ever seen in the world.[1]The success of the Aztecs stemmed from the traditions and culture embraced within the empire. The Aztecs predominantly lived across the territory, now referred to as Mexico.[2] They were part of the broader ancient Mesoamerican societies. Even though all of them get treated as part of Mesoamerican communities, the fact that they were indigenous meant that each had its own set of distinct traditions that informed their activities. The Aztecs successfully incorporated some aspects of other Mesoamerican cultures into their traditions, and when suitable, developed their traditions, something that helped them become quite powerful.
[1] Michael E, Smith. The Aztecs, 2nd ed. (Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2003).
[2] Ibid., 3.
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