Global silver trade from the 16th to 18th centuries American mining for the early part of the 16th Century. Mining in the Americas became formally industrialized when the process of mercury amalgamation became popularized. Mercury amalgamation was invented by a Spaniard in central Mexico in the 1550s. Historians dispute what individual was the first to invent the process, however most agree that it was a Spaniard. Mercury was the one of the highest costs of production for the Americas, since much of it had to be shipped. The ratio of Mercury to silver produced was about two to one. Furthermore, German miners introduced the stamp mill and lead smelting
Aztec architecture Aztec architecture Aztec architecture refers to the architectural remains of the Aztec civilization. Much of what is known about Aztec architecture comes from the structures that are still standing. These structures have survived through several centuries because of the strong materials used and the skill of the builders. Aztec cities often competed to construct the greatest temples in the Aztec empire and in the world. While doing so, instead of demolishing an old temple and building a new one at the site, they simply built "over" the old structure. Often, the temples were immense and very proportioned. Some temples have