Students are taught that the Aztecs were destroyed by Hernan Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico. However, there is much to learn about who the Aztec people were before they were conquered. The native Mexicans were part of a rich and vibrant culture that spanned hundreds of years. To understand this complicated society, readers are provided with an engaging main text and colorful photographs and historical images. Informative sidebars throughout detail the long history, and sudden defeat, of the Aztec Empire.

"Portions of this book originally appeared in "Aztec civilization" by Don Nardo."

A timeline -- A once-great culture that met a terrible end -- Aztecs ascending -- Life and society -- A complex religion -- An incredible culture -- Fierce warriors -- The beginning of the end -- A great empire falls -- After the fall.