After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century, the fate of Aztec art and architecture changed dramatically. The Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, were determined to impose their own culture and religion on the conquered peoples. As a result, much of the existing Aztec art and architecture was either destroyed or repurposed.
One of the most significant impacts was the destruction of temples and religious structures. The Spanish viewed these sites as idolatrous, and many were dismantled or built over as new churches and cathedrals emerged. For example, the Templo Mayor, a major Aztec temple, was largely destroyed to create space for the Spanish colonial city of Mexico City, which was built over the ruins of Tenochtitlan.
In addition to physical destruction, the Spanish also sought to erase the cultural significance of Aztec art. Many art forms, including sculpture and codices, were seen as pagan and were either destroyed or hidden away. While some artifacts were taken back to Spain as trophies or curiosities, others were melted down for their material value.
Despite this destruction, some aspects of Aztec art persisted, adapted to fit within the new colonial framework. Artists blended indigenous styles with European influences, leading to a unique fusion seen in the colonial art that emerged in Mexico. This adaptation allowed some elements of Aztec artistic tradition to survive, albeit transformed.
In conclusion, the Spanish conquest dramatically altered the landscape of Aztec art and architecture. Through a combination of destruction and cultural blending, the legacy of the Aztec civilization was reshaped under Spanish rule.