The Aztecs build an Empire

- the first Aztecs were farmers from northern Mexico
- they migrated to the south in the 1100s
- when they arrived the other tribes taken all the goods
- all that was left was a swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco
- to survive, they hired themselves out as skilled fighters
- war was critical for fighting
- they formed secrete alliances with others
- made people pay taxes
- with gold, Cotten, and food
- Aztecs controlled trade
- merchants bought food, and goods
- they ruled most of mesoamerica