Part 9

Learn about the Aztec civilization in Civilization V, including Montezuma's unique abilities, units, buildings, and historical context. Part 9 of the walkthrough.

This section covers the Aztec civilization in Civilization V, led by Montezuma. It details their unique unit, building, civilization power, and provides historical background.

Civilization Power: SACRIFICIAL CAPTIVES

Gain Culture for each enemy unit killed.

Unique Unit 1: Jaguar Warrior

Replaces the Warrior.

Unique Building: Floating Gardens

Replaces the Watermill.

History

The Aztecs were a Native American civilization that occupied central Mexico for roughly one hundred years in the 15th and 16th centuries. They ruled a mighty empire and possessed a rich culture, producing some of the most impressive pre-Colombian architecture in North America. Today, the Aztecs are best remembered for the bloodiness of their religious practices and the rapidity with which they collapsed in the face of external assault.

The Aztec Empire was located in the "Mesa Central" or central plateau in the heart of modern Mexico. The Valley of Mexico is dominated by a number of conjoined lakes, featuring abundant rainfall, a temperate climate, and incredibly fertile land.

The origin of the Aztec people is uncertain, but their origin stories suggest they were a tribe of hunter-gatherers on the northern Mexican plateau before they migrated down to Meso-America in the 12th century. The word "Aztec" comes from "Aztlan" ("White Land"), an allusion to northern Mexico. The Aztecs reached central Mexico sometime around 1250; what happened to them before that period is mostly speculation and myth.

At the time of the Aztecs' arrival, the population of central Mexico was divided between hundreds of small tribes or city-states. During the early period, the Aztecs were vassals of the Azcapotzalco, who in 1325 gave them permission to settle on a small island in Lake Texcoco, where they founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs remained subject to the Azcapotzalcos for around 100 years.

By the fifteenth century, the Azcapotzalco had become a strong regional power. In 1427, the Azcapotzalco leader Maxtla had the Aztec leader Chimalpopca assassinated and laid siege to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. To defeat the Azcapotzalcos, Chimalpopca's successor Itzcoatl allied with two other powerful city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan. The allies successfully raised the siege of Tenochtitlan and shortly thereafter conquered the Azcapotzalcos themselves.

Over the next century, the "Triple Alliance" would come to control all of central Mexico, eventually extending its power across the entirety of the country. Tenochtitlan would become the dominant member in the alliance, making the Aztecs de facto rulers of a vast continental empire.

In 1440, Montezuma I succeeded his uncle Itzcoatl to become ruler of the Aztecs. During his reign, Montezuma solidified the Triple Alliance and extended its control to the Gulf coast. He also led successful campaigns against other neighbors. (It's important not to confuse Montezuma I with his unfortunate and incompetent namesake, Montezuma II).

While Montezuma I held the throne, his half-brother Tlacaelel was engaged in reforming the Aztec state. He rewrote the Aztec religion, emphasizing the importance of militarism and ritual sacrifice. Tlacaelel oversaw the creation of many temples and religious buildings, including the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan, dedicated to the Aztec god of war Huitzilopochtli.

Politically, Tlacaelel was one of the architects of the Triple Alliance. He strengthened the Aztec nobility and priesthood at the expense of the peasants. Tlacaelel died in 1487.

At the height of its power, the Aztec Empire dominated an area of nearly 200,000 square miles, with some five to six million subjects.