Aztec People

⠀ ⠀  The Aztecs, who were people that lived before pre-Columbian times, lived in the 15th and 16th century. These people spoke Nahuatl. They ruled a large empire in what is now central and southern Mexico. They were also called Aztlán and Tenochca. But the Aztecs referred to themselves as Culhua-Mexica. The Aztecs' origin are uncertain but, many believe they were hunter-gatherers based on their traditions. In 1325, they found Tenochtitlán. Tenochtitlán became and remained their chief centre. Under the rule of Itzcóatl in 1428-40, Tenochtitlán formed alliances with Texcoco and Tlacopan and became the dominant power in central Mexico. Their empire kept expanding for 200 years. In 1502-20, Montezuma II , or Moctezuma II, ruled the empire. A year later, Hernán Cortés captured Montezuma II and kept him prisoner. After that, the empire fell apart.