Golden Facts About The Aztec Civilization
Great palaces. Sparkling canals. Walls of skulls. Chilling sacrifices. The Aztecs were one of the most inspiring—and horrific—civilizations ever.
Centered on the city of Tenochtitlan in the middle of Lake Texcoco, they built a civilization based on agriculture, sacrifice and, of all things, cleanliness.
At its peak, Aztec culture was rich in mythology and religious traditions, all while achieving some astonishing architectural and artistic feats—but if anything, their human sacrifice rituals were even more chilling than people realize.
Read on to discover 54 golden facts about the Aztec Civilization.
Aztec Civilization Facts
1. A Housing Market To Die For
Aztecs would commonly bury their deceased under the houses that they occupied while alive. Imagine having to ask your real estate agent about a property’s body count.
2. Floating City
The Aztec built their city of Tenochtitlan right in the middle of the salt lake Texcoco. Why put a city in a lake? According to legend, the wandering Mexica tribes followed an ancient prophecy that told them to build a great city. The prophecy foretold that the location of the city would be revealed by an eagle on top of a cactus with a snake in its beak. They finally witnessed this sight...on a tiny, swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco.
It wasn't ideal, but prophecies are prophecies, and Tenochtitlan was founded around the year 1325. By the way, if that "eagle, cactus, and snake" image seemed familiar to anyone, you've probably seen it before.
It's right in the middle of Mexico's flag!
3. Next To Godliness
The city of Tenochtitlan was known to be very clean for the time period. It even had garbage men!
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