Final answer:
The Aztec Empire was centered in the city of Tenochtitlan, the site of today's Mexico City, and spanned across central and southern Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It was known for its advanced society, military power, and significant religious practices that included human sacrifices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aztec Empire was once a flourishing civilization that existed from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Its heart was in the grand city of Tenochtitlan, which is the site of modern-day Mexico City. The Aztecs were known for their intricate societal structure, sophisticated agriculture, and formidable military might.
Tenochtitlan, the capital, was a marvel of engineering and architecture, featuring vast pyramids and temples that rivaled the great pyramids of Giza. The Empire extended throughout central and southern Mexico and reached southward into Guatemala. The Aztecs established their empire through strategic alliances and military conquests, dominating over many other city-states in the region.
Religion permeated every aspect of Aztec life, with gods such as Tezcatlipoca, Tlaloc, and Quetzalcoatl being central to their worship. Human sacrifices were a critical part of appeasing these gods, a practice that would later lead to resentment from neighboring communities. At its zenith, the Aztec civilization's approach to trade, law, and urban development made it one of the most sophisticated empires of its time.