According to the source, which empire in Central America was constructed by the Mexicans and expanded greatly during the 15th century?

According to the source, which empire in Central America was constructed by the Mexicans and expanded greatly during the 15th century?

• A. Aztec Empire
• B. Incan Empire
• C. Maya Empire
• D. Olmec Empire

Answer: (A)

Think about empires formed by peoples in the region we think of as Mesoamerica and when they expanded. The one that was built by the Mexicans and grew tremendously in the 15th century is the Aztec Empire. The Mexica established Tenochtitlan and, around 1428, joined with Texcoco and Tlacopan to form the Triple Alliance. From there, they expanded through conquest and tribute, creating a large, centralized empire by the late 1400s. The other options come from different regions or eras: the Inca were in the Andes of South America, not Central Mexico; the Maya peaked earlier in the Classic period and did not undergo a 15th-century expansion of this scale; the Olmec existed much earlier as a foundational culture. So the Aztec Empire best fits the description.

Think about empires formed by peoples in the region we think of as Mesoamerica and when they expanded. The one that was built by the Mexicans and grew tremendously in the 15th century is the Aztec Empire. The Mexica established Tenochtitlan and, around 1428, joined with Texcoco and Tlacopan to form the Triple Alliance. From there, they expanded through conquest and tribute, creating a large, centralized empire by the late 1400s. The other options come from different regions or eras: the Inca were in the Andes of South America, not Central Mexico; the Maya peaked earlier in the Classic period and did not undergo a 15th-century expansion of this scale; the Olmec existed much earlier as a foundational culture. So the Aztec Empire best fits the description.