The Aztecs were able to build a vast and powerful civilization through several key factors:
1. Settling in a strategic location: The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico, a naturally fertile region with abundant resources. This allowed them to establish a strong agricultural base, which was crucial for supporting a large population.
2. Efficient agricultural practices: The Aztecs developed innovative farming techniques such as chinampas, which were floating gardens built on rafts of reeds and mud. These chinampas greatly expanded their arable land, allowing for increased food production and supporting population growth.
3. Social and political organization: The Aztecs had a highly structured society with a centralized government. They established city-states ruled by a supreme leader, the tlatoani, who governed with the help of nobility and a complex bureaucracy. This efficient administrative system allowed for organized governance and the effective management of resources.
4. Military prowess: The Aztecs had a formidable military force, which they used to expand their empire through conquest. They developed advanced military tactics and strategies, such as the use of specialized warrior classes, alliances with other city-states, and the construction of extensive road networks for efficient troop movements.
5. Tribute system: The Aztecs established a tributary system, where conquered regions were required to pay tribute in the form of goods, resources, or labor. This system helped the Aztecs accumulate wealth and resources, which further fueled their expansion and development.
Overall, the combination of a strategic location, advanced agricultural practices, effective governance, military strength, and a tribute system contributed to the Aztecs' ability to build and maintain a large and powerful civilization.