The Aztec
	l It was divided politically into many small and competing units. l The militant Aztecs (or Mexica) migrated to the region during the early 14th century and initially served the indigenous inhabitants as allies or mercenaries. l Around 1325 they founded the cities of Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco on lake islands. l By 1434 the Aztecs had become the dominant regional power.