Which empire built the road network centered on the capital Tenochtitlan?

The Aztec Empire built and maintained a road network centered on its capital, Tenochtitlan, in the Valley of Mexico.

The empire, also called the Triple Alliance, was formed in 1428 by Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. Its influence expanded through military conquest, tribute, trade, and political alliances. Tenochtitlan stood on an island in Lake Texcoco and was connected to the mainland by causeways, while roads linked the imperial center with subject communities.

Aztec roads supported armies, merchants, messengers, and the movement of tribute. Unlike the Inca road system, which covered much of the Andes and was famous for long mountain routes, Aztec transport was closely integrated with lake travel and canoe traffic. Spanish forces and Indigenous allies captured Tenochtitlan in 1521 after a siege. The city’s remains lie beneath much of modern Mexico City, making archaeological evidence an important source for understanding the empire.