The Aztec culture, centred at the capital of Tenochtitlan, dominated most of Mesoamerica in the 15th-16th centuries. With military conquest and trade expansion, the art of the Aztecs also spread, helping the Aztec civilization achieve a cultural and political hegemony over their subjects and creating for posterity a tangible record of the artistic imagination and great talent of the artists from this last great Mesoamerican civilization.
More about: Aztec ArtDefinition
Timeline
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c. 1345 - 1521The Aztec civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
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c. 1427The Sun Stone depicting the ages of the five suns of Aztec mythology is carved and set up at Tenochtitlan.
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c. 1473The Coyolxauhqui Stone is carved depicting the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui, dismembered by the god Huitzilopochtli.
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c. 1485The Stone of Tizoc is carved depicting the Aztec king Tizoc attacking warriors from the Matlatzinca.
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1502The large stone marker depicting the Aztec goddess Tlaltecuhtli is carved at Tenochtitlan.
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c. 1507The Throne of Motecuhzoma II is carved. Also known as the Monument of Sacred War.
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1519Motecuhzoma II has an image carved of himself on the hillside at Chapultepec.
