How were the Aztecs able to become wealthy?

The Aztecs became wealthy through a combination of tribute systems, trade, and agriculture. They established a vast empire that required conquered peoples to pay tribute in the form of goods, gold, and textiles, significantly boosting their wealth. Additionally, their strategic location allowed for flourishing trade networks that facilitated the exchange of goods such as cacao, ceramics, and obsidian. Efficient agricultural practices, including chinampas (floating gardens), enabled them to sustain a growing population and surplus production.