The indigenous people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century (also called Mexica or Tenochca) who arrived in the central valley of Mexico after the collapse of the Toltec civilization in the 12th century. By the early 15th century they had risen to dominance of the area and a century later commanded a territory that covered most of the central and southern part of present‐day Mexico, exacting tribute from their subjects. They were a warring people who slew captives as human sacrifices to their chief god, but their lifestyle was comfortable and (for the rulers) luxurious, and the Spaniards under Cortés arrived to find a rich and elaborate civilization centred on the city of Tenochtitlán, which boasted vast pyramids, temples, and palaces.