Abstract
‘Aztec expansion through conquest and trade’ examines the Codex Mendoza. The Codex Mendoza is a rare example of Spanish and Aztec cooperation, and tells the story of the Aztec people. Framing the opening page of the document is a series of time signs, denoting the Aztec calendar cycle. The empire's impressive agriculture is shown by depictions of chinampa floating gardens. The ruling tlatoani distinguished themselves through battle. Their royal families shared a lineage with Quetzalcoatl, and lived in a world of political intrigue and assassinations. The expansion, care, and ritual life of the Great Temple were their main priorities. The trade network kept goods and information flowing through the empire.
