The empire that had a capital at Tenochtitlán and dominated Mesoamerica before European arrival was the Aztec Empire. This empire thrived through agriculture, trade, and complex social organization. The Aztecs established one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas, building monumental architecture and engaging in expansive military campaigns. Their rich cultural practices, including rituals, art, and agriculture, laid the foundation for the region. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century marked the dramatic end of the Aztec Empire and initiated a profound transformation in Mesoamerican history.