The Aztecs Build an Empire

*When they headed south, they found that all the good farm land was taken, they settled on a swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco.
*War was critical to rise to power
*They formed a secret alliance with others on Lake Texcoco
*They made conquered people pay tribute (tax) with gold, cotton, or food.
*The Aztec controlled this huge trade network.
*Merchants brought goods to Aztec markets, because they traveled, they were used as spies on people in the empire. (advanced thinking)
*Controlling trade, war, and taxes made the Aztec rich, by 1500 they ruled most of Mesoamerica

structure