If one takes the time to read and learn more about the world's greatest empires that have ruled throughout history, one will notice that they all have certain characteristics in common. For example, they all had formidable armies, beautiful architecture, and strong rulers. They also all had thriving economies. One of these great empires was that of the ancient Aztecs, who, like the others, had a thriving economy. The Aztecs dominated much of Mesoamerica from the 14th to 16th centuries (“Aztec”). It is important to analyze how the Aztecs created such an economically strong empire, because it is the same model that was followed by countless powers before and after the Aztecs. The strong economy of the Aztecs resulted in a dominant empire. One of the reasons the Aztecs had such a dominant empire was largely due to their agriculture-driven economy. It was the agricultural innovations of the Aztecs that really boosted agricultural production, which in turn boosted their economy. One of the first agricultural methods was rain-fed farming. Rainfall helped the Aztecs farm where they wanted. The quality of the land or terrain did not matter. Being able to sow on all grounds meant that there would be an abundance at all times. Rainfed cultivation was their method of choice in the early (“Aztec”) Empire. A method such as rainfed cultivation surely contributed to the creation of this empire. Another method that led to the success of the powerful Aztec empire was the construction of canal systems and dams. The dams were used to divert water to their fields. Canal systems and dams helped the Aztecs harvest crops regularly. Canal systems helped them irrigate their vast fields in...... middle of paper ......h as the Aztecs limited communication, the conquered states were forced to trade with the Aztecs. Having a strong economy allowed the empire to expand and it expanded south to Chiapas and Guatemala and stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic ("Aztec") oceans. The Aztec economy was strong due to the conquest of everything around it. There have been many great empires throughout history. One of them is the Aztec Empire. The strong economy of the Aztecs was what fueled the strong empire. When you have a huge agricultural economy and currencies flowing across the empire, there are no limits. Works cited by Wikipedia contributors. "Aztec." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Encyclopedia, February 4, 2014. Web. February 5, 2014. Carrasco, David and Scott sessions. Daily life of the Aztecs: People of the Sun and the Earth. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1998. Print.