Early Modern Era
Aztec Empire
1451 AD – 1521 AD · peak 1519 AD
At the start of the 16th century, the Aztec Empire functioned as a complex hegemony controlled by the Mexica from the lake city of Tenochtitlan. The state oversaw sophisticated hydraulic engineering, including aqueducts and dikes, and maintained vast market networks. Its sovereignty ended in 1521 AD after the Spanish conquest and the subsequent establishment of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
Capital: Tenochtitlan
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Trans-Saharan Gold Route (700 AD – 1500 AD)
- Hanseatic League (1200 AD – 1600 AD)
- Indian Ocean Spice Route (800 AD – 1500 AD)
- Cape Route (1500 AD – 1869 AD)