The civilization described in Hernán Cortés’s letter was the Aztec Empire, specifically located at its capital Tenochtitlán, within the region known as Mesoamerica.
Geographical Location of the Aztec Civilization
Based on the excerpt from Hernán Cortés’s “Second Letter to the King of Spain,” the civilization described was located in the region known as Mesoamerica. This area stretches from north of Panama to the desert of central Mexico and includes the site of present-day Veracruz. It was here, specifically in Tenochtitlán, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, that Cortés encountered the sophisticated urban environment filled with temples, causeways, and gardens that so impressed the Spanish adventurers.
Furthermore, the Aztecs were known for their intricate systems of tribute, their advanced agricultural practices, and their remarkable architectural achievements, including pyramids and palaces. The Spanish were particularly fascinated by the Aztec wealth in gold, which fueled their continuing exploration and conquest of the region.