During what years did the Aztec civilization thrive?

The Aztec civilization thrived primarily from 1345 AD to 1521 AD. This time frame marks the rise of the Aztecs in central Mexico, beginning with the establishment of Tenochtitlán, their capital, which was founded around 1325 AD. From that point, the Aztecs expanded their empire through conquest and alliances, culminating in a vast and influential civilization by the early 16th century. The civilization reached its peak just before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, which ultimately led to its downfall. This period is characterized by significant advancements in agriculture, architecture, and culture, making it a distinctive era in Mesoamerican history.

Other time frames do not accurately capture the full extent of the Aztec civilization's development and decline. The starting points and durations in those options either miss significant periods of growth or extend beyond the civilization’s relevant historical context.