The empire of the sun
The AZTEC EMPIRE ruled central MEXICO from its island capital, and this puzzle gathers it. You'll be finding the EMPEROR on his throne, the towering PYRAMID and TEMPLE, the warrior EAGLE and JAGUAR knights, and the lake city of TENOCHTITLAN itself — one of the largest cities of its age.
Because every new puzzle reshuffles the grid, no two Aztecs word searches are the same. One round a backwards JAGUAR slinks down a column; the next a diagonal CALENDAR appears across the middle. (TENOCHTITLAN is a long one — a fun final challenge to hunt down.)
Gods, gold and daily life
Aztec life mixed busy markets with powerful beliefs, and the words are here. There's the bustling MARKET and the GOLD that traders prized, the precious CODEX of picture-writing, MAIZE and COCOA in the fields, and the SUN at the heart of their religion — honoured even with SACRIFICE. You'll also spot a paddling CANOE, bright FEATHERS, sharp OBSIDIAN blades and the feathered SERPENT god.
It's a great fit for a history topic. Tracking down O-B-S-I-D-I-A-N turns spelling practice into a tour of an ancient EMPIRE.
How to play
Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter — both work. Each word you spot locks in with its own colour and ticks off the list, so you always know what's left to find.
Want a real challenge? Switch to Medium or Hard for a bigger grid with diagonals and reverse words. Stuck on one? Tap Hint for a nudge, or Solve to reveal the whole grid at once.
Print an Aztecs word search pack
Tap Download for a printable PDF of fresh Aztecs puzzles, with optional answer keys. Choose how many you want and how many per page — perfect for a history topic, a classroom, or a quiet afternoon.
Teachers love these for lessons on the Aztecs, Maya and Inca. Add a name-and-date line and you've got ready-to-print worksheets in seconds, free and account-free.
Frequently asked questions
What's in the Aztecs word search?
Key words from the Aztec empire — the emperor, eagle and jaguar warriors, pyramids and temples, the capital Tenochtitlan, plus maize, cocoa, gold, obsidian and the feathered serpent. Each puzzle uses a fresh mix.
Is the Aztecs word search free to print?
Yes. Play free online or download a printable PDF pack with optional answer keys — no sign-up required.
Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Easy mode keeps the grid small with no diagonals or reverse words, perfect for a history lesson and young learners.