Explore / World Cultures During the twelfth century AD the
Mexica were a small and obscure tribe searching for a new
homeland. Eventually they settled in the Valley of Mexico and
founded their capital, Tenochtitlan, in 1345. At the beginning
of the sixteenth century it was one of the largest cities in the
world. Warfare was extremely important for the Mexica people and
led them to conquer most of modern-day central and southern
Mexico. They controlled their huge empire through military
strength, a long-distance trading network and the tribute which
conquered peoples had to pay. Stone sculpture in the British
Museum collection reflects the Mexica's complex religious
beliefs and the large pantheon of gods they worshipped. Their
sophisticated ritual calendar reflected the rhythms of the
agricultural year and their ceramic sculptures are noted for
their visual impact. Musical instruments such as drums were
decorated with intricate carvings, probably because of the
importance of music during Mexica rituals. Crafts