The Aztecs called themselves the Mexica—the root of the name for today's Mexico.
1325–1521 C.E.
Beginner's guide
Learn about the language, origins, politics, religion, calendar, and art of the Mexica.
videos + essays
We're adding new content all the time!
The House of the Eagles, and sculptures of Mictlantecuhtli and Eagle Warrior
Life-size terracotta sculptures of the god of the underworld and eagle warriors were found in the House of the Eagles in the sacred precinct of the Aztec (Mexica) capital of Tenochtitlan
Pottery vessel, Mixteca-Puebla style
Cholula was known for its beautiful polychrome ceramics that included a wide range of symbols such as calendrical dates, hearts, hands, and knives
Wooden slit-drum (teponaztli)
Mexica wooden slit drums (teponaztli) were generally decorated with designs in relief or carved to represent human figures or animals.
Turquoise mosaics, an introduction
Ancient Mexico is renowned for the production of vivid greenstone mosaics
Serpents in Mexica culture
The serpent played a very important role in Mexica religion and many finely carved stone sculptures have survived.
Xiuhcoatl (fire serpent)
This magnificent sculpture of a Xiuhcoatl (fire serpent) has a blend of both realistic and mythical creatures.
Seated figure of Xiuhtecuhtli
The cult of the fire god Xiuhtecuhtli goes back many centuries before Mexica times and extended throughout Mesoamerica.
Pottery model temples
Small pottery temple models add valuable details to our knowledge of Mexica religious architecture
Brazier of Chicomecoatl
An elaborate Aztec brazier of Chicomecoatl was used to burn offerings to the gods
Aztec art and feasts for the dead
In 1520, smallpox raged among the Mexica during the month of Tepeilhuitl when they would normally be making and eating sacred art made of dough.
The Mesoamerican Calendar
Calendars also tell us a great deal about how Mesoamerican cultures understood and structured their world.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
