Maeve K. answered • 8d
History & English Tutor | AP/College Prep | Essay Writing
The Aztecs expanded their empire through military conquest and alliances. War was important to Aztec social life and religion. One of their most important gods, Huitzilopochtli, was a war god whom they worshipped and made regular sacrifices to.
The Triple Alliance, established in 1428, combined the Aztec Empire with the Texcoco and Tlacopan in pursuit of conquering rivals (mainly the Tepanecs). This alliance established the foundation for their empire.
From there, they established states with military tributes. The states had to pay a tribute (food, fine goods, land, and/or labor) to the Aztec empire. In return, the states were allowed to keep their local rulers, which prevented complete cultural and social upheaval. They would also act as mercenaries to these states, and if the states were ever in trouble, the Aztecs would defend them.
The Aztecs also had advanced agricultural techniques that kept their society well-fed. The chinampas (also known as 'floating gardens') created a bountiful harvest that fed their society and allowed a surplus to be traded for wealth and opportunities with other tribes.
