How was the Aztec empire different from the Spanish empire at that time?

The Aztec Empire was primarily an indigenous civilization centered in Mesoamerica, characterized by a theocratic society with a strong emphasis on agriculture, tribute systems, and religious rituals, including human sacrifice. In contrast, the Spanish Empire was a colonial power driven by European expansionism, characterized by a capitalist economy, military conquest, and the imposition of Christianity. The Spanish sought to exploit resources and convert indigenous populations, while the Aztecs focused on maintaining and expanding their regional dominance through alliances and warfare. Thus, their motivations, governance, and societal structures were fundamentally different.