Capturing Warfare

The Nahuas (seen with fans in the upper right of this image) are the peoples of Central Mexico who speak one or more of the dialects of the Nahua language group, such as Nahuat and Nahuatl.  The Nahuas date to Pre-Columbian times, and include the Mexica and Aztec civilizations.  Nahuatl was the dominant language of the basin of Mexico in 1519, and it was also a linga Franca throughout Mesoamerica.  At the time of European contact, the central Mexicans were united much more by a shared culture and a common language than by politics.  Nahua languages are still spoken today by peoples of Central Mexico.  Nahuatl place names are used to this day in cities and towns all over Mexico and Central America.