When the Spanish first set eyes on it, the Aztec empire was one of the largest and most advanced states in the Americas. Its capital -- the twin cities of Tenochtitlan-Tlateloco -- had a population of 250,000 and compared with the finest cities of Europe. The emperor Moctezuma ruled millions of subjects and a network of conquered territories. Aztec culture stood at the peak of more than 3000 years of Mesoamerican civilization.
Added by Upcoming Robot on February 20, 2009