Aztecs

Race of N. American Indians, who came from California or Arizona and invaded Mexico in the 12th century. They found the Toltecs in po e ion, who had preceded them 500 years before. At the time of the conquest by Cortez, it is probable their numbers did not exceed 250,000. They had the gens system common to the American Indians, but with certain changes; the sons inherited property, and the descent pa ed in the male line. The government was a military democracy; cotton was cultivated; the sun-dial was in use; and a calendar, nearly perfect, had been invented. The god of war received the chief worship; 20,000 human sacrifices were offered annually. The best houses were not over two stories, and were built of adobe, stone and gypsum.