The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire

Following the collapse of the Toltec Civilization, the Aztecs rose to prominence in 14th-century Mexico. The Aztecs constructed the most formidable state in the Americas, guided by a supreme emperor and a spiritual worldview that viewed human sacrifice as essential for cosmic stability. By the 16th century, the Aztec Empire was finally overcome by a combination of Spanish ingenuity, advanced weaponry, and devastating disease. Learn more about the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Newspapers.com Honor the past by uncovering its stories at Newspapers.com Promo Code EVERYTHINGEVERWHERE Samsara Don’t wait for the next accident to take action. Head to Samsara.com/EVERYTHING ButcherBox Get your choice between chicken breast or top sirloin for a year OR ground beef for life, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/everything Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Save 50% on Unlimited premium wireless plans starting at $15/month at MintMobile.com/EED Audible Listen to Project Hail Mary Audible.com/hailmary Fast Growing Trees Get 20% off your first purchase when using the code DAILY at checkout at fastgrowingtrees.com/daily

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The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire is an episode from Everything Everywhere Daily by Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media.

This episode is 15:31 long.

This episode was published on May 29, 2026.

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