The Aztec Empire
for Kids
Discover the mighty Aztec civilisation — from the great city of Tenochtitlan to powerful warriors, mysterious gods and incredible achievements that still amaze us today.
Aztec Empire Topics
Dive deep into the fascinating aspects of the Aztec Empire through our comprehensive educational resources
Day of the Dead
Explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos — the colourful Aztec festival honouring loved ones that is still celebrated across Mexico today.
Gods
Meet the powerful Aztec gods and goddesses — from Quetzalcoatl the feathered serpent to Huitzilopochtli the sun god who demanded great sacrifices.
Sun Stone
Discover the famous Aztec Sun Stone — a massive carved disc weighing over 24 tonnes that reveals how the Aztecs understood time, the cosmos, and the fate of the world.
Warriors
Learn about the fierce Aztec warriors — from the elite Jaguar and Eagle knights to their incredible training, weapons, and the flower wars that shaped their empire.
Aztecs
Uncover the story of the Aztec people — how they built the magnificent city of Tenochtitlan on a lake, created floating gardens, and forged one of history's greatest empires.
Journey Through Time
Explore the key events that shaped the Aztec Empire over two incredible centuries
Tenochtitlan Is Founded
The Aztecs founded their magnificent capital city on an island in Lake Texcoco, after spotting an eagle perched on a cactus eating a serpent — the sign foretold by their gods.
The Triple Alliance Forms
The Aztecs joined forces with the city-states of Texcoco and Tlacopan, creating a powerful alliance that would conquer much of central Mexico and build a mighty empire.
The Great Temple Is Completed
The Templo Mayor — the Great Temple at the heart of Tenochtitlan — was expanded and rededicated with spectacular ceremonies, standing over 60 metres tall as the empire reached its peak.
The Spanish Arrive
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his soldiers arrived on the coast of Mexico. Emperor Montezuma II welcomed them into Tenochtitlan, beginning a dramatic encounter between two worlds.
Fall of the Aztec Empire
After a devastating siege lasting 75 days, the Spanish and their indigenous allies captured Tenochtitlan. The fall marked the end of the Aztec Empire, but their legacy lives on to this day.
