This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
Who were the Aztec, really? It’s complicated.
Before their defeat by the Spanish in 1521, the triple alliance ruled Mesoamerica through complex trade networks—and warfare.
The Mexica priest Cuauhtlequetzqui points out the place where his people should found their city in around 1325. The prickly pear evokes the story that the name Tenochtitlan means “place among the prickly pears.” Mexican artist José María Jara painted the scene in 1889. National Museum of Art, Mexico City.
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
Environment
- Why are so many dead whales washing up on the East Coast?Why are so many dead whales washing up on the East Coast?
- What the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code redWhat the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code red
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
History & Culture
- Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer, Video Story
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer - Soccer is the world's most popular sport. But who invented it?Soccer is the world's most popular sport. But who invented it?
- 2,000 years of shipwrecks discovered on ancient sea route2,000 years of shipwrecks discovered on ancient sea route
Science
- 5 green towers inspired by nature and striving to protect it
- Paid Content for Advertiser
5 green towers inspired by nature and striving to protect it - Sugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper—here’s why so many believe it doesSugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper—here’s why so many believe it does
- When it’s too cold, these octopuses just rewire their brainsWhen it’s too cold, these octopuses just rewire their brains
- What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?
- Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.
Travel
- 5 of the best new nature books to explore the UK's wild isles.5 of the best new nature books to explore the UK's wild isles.
- 4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in Canada4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in Canada
- Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer, Video Story
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer