9781422283387

This illustration depicts Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of sun.

Toltecs. Many smaller groups of people also lived there. Each civilization had its own language, laws, customs, and skills, but they also shared many traditions. This ancient city of Maya was uncovered in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. The Maya was just one civili- zation the Aztecs found when they arrived in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs were crafty and clever. They quickly learned what they could from Mesoamerican peoples but kept all their own ancient laws and customs as well. This meant they had lots of wisdom, knowledge, and practical experience to help them to survive. They were experts at farming and even used irrigation.

The name of Mexico comes from the word “Mexica,” which is what the Aztecs called themselves in their native language of Nahuatl.

8 THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: AZTECS