Triple Alliance (1428–1521)

Triple Alliance Ēxcān Tlahtōlōyān
1428–1521
Glyphs of member states
Capital	Tenōchtitlan
Common languages	Nahuatl
History
• Established	1428
• Dissolution	1521
Area
• Total	220,000 km²
Population
• Estimate	5–6 million

The Triple Alliance, also known as the Aztec Empire, was a Mesoamerican confederation of three city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan.

History

Background

The Aztecs originated in what is now Utah and migrated south to the valley of Mexico in the 12th century. They helped organize the overthrow of the Toltec civilization. Around 1325, the Aztecs built the city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, which the Tepanecs later conquered.

Foundation

In 1426, the Aztecs of Tenochtitlan formed an alliance with the Texcoco and Tlacopan peoples and overthrew the Tepanecs. They waged war against neighboring nations until they controlled most of the Valley of Mexico. Tenochtitlan emerged as the dominant city-state and made its subjects pay tribute.

Spanish invasion

In the early 16th century, peasant rebellions against tributes weakened the Triple Alliance. Moctezuma Xocoyotzin came to power in 1503 and attempted to reform the empire, but the Spanish overthrew him and destroyed Aztec society in a genocidal three-year war. Indigenous opponents of the Aztecs allied with conquistador Hernan Cortés, but the Spanish colonizers later turned on them too.

Economy

The Aztec economy was based on irrigated agriculture. The main crop was corn, but they also farmed beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, tobacco, and cocoa. They also grew cotton to make cloths and clothing. They built large dams, canals, and fortresses out of stone. Aztec cities had complex internal markets.

Trade

Aztec merchants bought turquoise from Pueblo people in what is now the southwestern United States and sold it in central Mexico. They also used turquoise as currency to buy other goods.