Aztec ceramic temple model (HM501) Aztec The Aztec Empire flourished between 1345 and 1521 CE.  Their empire stretched across what is today central and southern Mexico.  In 1521, Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés overthrew the Aztec Empire and captured the center of the Empire, Tenochtitlan. Bloodletting To appease the gods, ensure abundant rainfall, bountiful