A highly advanced culture, one of the most advanced in the Western Hemisphere was the precursor of modern day Mexico. As early as 21000 BC or perhaps even earlier hunters are thought to have roamed through what is now Mexico. It was around 8000 BC that squash, the first Mexican crop began to appear. The Olmecs were the first tribe to appear in Mexico and it was considered a major Mesoamerican civilization. While the time is not known exactly, Olmec arrived is estimated between 1500 and 600 BC. The sixth century AD saw the flourishing of the Mayans in the Mexican area. Then, however, Toltecs, a very warlike group of people, traveled to the Mexico area from the north, arriving in the Mexican Valley around the eighth century. Talncingo and Tula were the first cities they founded. Their civilization was advanced and they built magnificent structures whose ruins are still visible.

The Chichimeca people vanquished the Toltecs in the 12th century and took over their civilization. The Toltecs dispersed. 100 years later seven tribes of the Nahuatlan came together from the north, presumably New Mexico and Arizona. The leading tribe was the Aztecs, who, in 1325 founded Tenochtitlan, creating causeway to dam the waters and create a town with an impregnable island fortress. The Aztec influence, under the leadership of Itzcoatl, the first emperor, spread throughout most of 15th century Mexico.

The Aztecs were a very developed and cultured people, advanced in art, intellect and agriculture, growing corn and depending on it extensively. Rich and strong, they build tremendous Aztec cities and banded together for social, political and spiritual strength. The explorer de Cordoba came to Mexico from Europe, finding Mayan civilization traces in Yucatan in 1517. The Cuban de Grijalva discovered the Aztecs along Mexico's east coast and took his tale back to his homeland. The governor of Cuba promptly sent the soon to be conqueror Cortes and a large complement of warriors to the region.

What happened to the Aztecs was that they had divided themselves into 38 scattered and independent tribes who didn't get along well. This played right into the hands of Cortes and his soldiers. As did the Aztec emperor Montezuma's belief that Cortes was the god Quetzalcoatl.

Slaves, commoners and nobility were the three distinct groups of Aztecs. Slaves were indentured servants and often the children of the poor. They didn't work as slaves forever, and, in fact, could buy their freedom. They could also try to escape to the royal palace. If they did so, they were free. Most commoners were allowed to buy land and build homes. The tlalmaitl were only allowed the status of tenant farmers. Commoners, except for the most lowly of them, were allowed to be homeowners and landowners. Nobles were those born to the position and those who earned their way to the distinction. The latter were warriors and priests for the most part.

Early Aztecs worshipped at the altars of several gods. Their gods presided over the sun, the moon, the rain, the calendar, the Aztec writing, and resurrection. Aztecs produced many writings called codices, which archeologists have kept intact today. These writings, many with drawings, were made on animal hide or on paper. The Aztecs developed a 365-day, 18-month calendar. Each month was the same - 20

days each. However, five other days, called hollow days, were considered days of bad luck. The Aztecs haven't disappeared. There are more than one million of their

civilization still around the Mexico City area. They don't practice modern day life, but rather subsist as illiterate farmers. Their religion is partly that of earlier Aztecs but also part that of present day Roman Catholics.

Jenni Reker is the owner of Lowr mexico Ltd. An oustanding place to find mexico links, resources and articles.

For more great information on this article,