Aztec Thought

The Aztec Empire dominated Mesoamerica for a relatively short time — less than 100 years — but it is remembered today more than other ancient cultures in the region which sustained for much longer. Partly that is because this was a relatively recent culture which was widely reported by the first Europeans to make contact with it.

Join the expedition of explorer, Hernando Cortez and meet Diego Orteguilla, a 14-year old Spanish boy who signs on to sail from Cuba to the land of Mexico. Rumors abound of strange animals, exotic plants, a beautiful, whitewashed city surrounded by water, and a people who own gold - lots of gold. You will see Diego and the Spanish soldiers fight their first battle in Mexico and learn of the great Aztec empire and the king who rules this empire, Montezuma.

The Aztec civilization of Central Mexico consisted of several communities with distinct cultures and languages. The Nahuatl-speaking tribes were the most popular and celebrated rituals based on their own version of myths and stories. While the Mesoamerican cultures shared many stories, rituals, and myths with the Aztecs, they were recognized as a separate community.

The Aztec Empire did not recoil from the face of an impending doom, it struggled faithfully. Destined to emerge from humble beginnings, it grew into a highly complex devoted civilization refusing to live at the mercy of more neighboring powerful rulers. Its powerful pochteca combed the valley for luxury items while markets dotted their lands. Investigate the era of the Fifth Sun and what defined the Aztecs and their relationship with the divine.