Blood and Flowers - In Search of the Aztecs 5/5

Blood and Flowers - In Search of the Aztecs Part 5 The Aztec Indians, who are known for their domination of southern and central Mexico, ruled between the 14th and 16th centuries. Their name is derived from Aztlan, the homeland of the north. The Aztecs also call themselves Mexica and there language came from the Nahuatlan branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. The Aztecs were formed after the Toltec civilization occurred when hundreds of civilians came towards Lake texcoco. Late families were unfortunate and were forced to go to the swamp lands. In 1519 Hernan Cortes, a Spanish explorer, led over 500 men into Aztec territory to search for gold. Aztecs thought he was a representative for a certain white skinned god so they respected him. It all changed when the Aztecs saw that Hernan was melting down their golden statues and shipping them back to Spain. The Aztecs decided to attack Hernan and his men. The Aztecs were successful and drove the Spanish away. In 1520 the Spanish attacked the Aztec's capital city and destroyed their civilization. That was the end of the Aztec's mighty empire had built so long ago.