What civilization is recognized for its rich culture and architecture, having established a vast empire in central Mexico?

The Aztec civilization is renowned for its impressive cultural achievements and monumental architecture, particularly during the 14th to the 16th centuries in what is now central Mexico. They established a vast empire that dominated the region, with Tenochtitlán as their capital, which showcased remarkable engineering feats, including temples, palaces, and a sophisticated system of canals. The Aztecs are also recognized for their contributions to art, agriculture, and society, such as developing intricate rituals and the calendar system. Their influence is still evident in modern Mexican culture, emphasizing their significant role in history.

In contrast, while the Maya civilization also made substantial contributions to culture and architecture, their territory was primarily in the Yucatán Peninsula and is distinct from that of the Aztecs. The Inca civilization was located in South America, primarily in Peru, and is known for their impressive stonework and extensive road systems but lacks the same central Mexican context. The Olmec, often considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica, predates the Aztecs and is known for their sculptures and early urban developments, but they did not establish a vast empire comparable to that of the Aztecs in terms of territorial reach and cultural impact at the time of