FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-133

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (August 13, 2026) – In Fun with Maps today, we learn of a chocolate connection to the Aztec Empire.

LAND OF THE AZTECS

The end of the Aztec Empire came on August 13, 1521 when Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes captured the capital city of Tenochtitlan.  With that victory, Spain took over the rule of what is modern-day Mexico.

The Aztecs had ruled in central Mexico for almost 200 years.  When the Spanish took over, they established their capital, Mexico City, over the ruins of the old capital.

The Aztecs introduced chocolate in the form of a chili pepper spiced drink to the Europeans. Cacao beans were so valued that they were traded like money.

The image on the Mexican flag – an eagle on a cactus eating a snake – is based on a legend that the same image was the basis for choosing the site of the capital city when that strange occurrence was seen there.

Presented here is Johnson’s map of Mexico from 1863.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Be sure to visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.