Codex magliabechiano (141 cropped)

Aztec Civilization

  • Moving
    Jan 1, 1100

    Moving

    The Aztecs move from their homeland in Northern Mexico and travel south. Over the never 225 years the Aztecs moved around many times until they finally settled in the city of Tenochtitlan.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1100 to Dec 31, 1522

    Aztec Timeline

  • Aztec City
    Jan 1, 1200

    Aztec City

    Arrive in the Valley of Mexico
  • Culhuancan Tribes
    Jan 1, 1250

    Culhuancan Tribes

    They settle in Chapultepec, but are forced to leave by the Culhuancan tribe.
  • Tenochtitian
    Jan 1, 1325

    Tenochtitian

    The city of Tenochtitlán is founded. It will become the capital of the Aztec Empire. The location is picked by the priests because it is where they see the foretold sign of an eagle holding a snake while standing on a cactus.
  • Tenchtitlan
    Jan 1, 1350

    Tenchtitlan

    The Aztecs begin to build causeways and canals around Tenochtitlán.
  • Rulers
    Oct 8, 1375

    Rulers

    The first dominant ruler of the Aztecs, Acamapichtli, comes into power. They call their ruler the Tlatoani which means "speaker".
  • Itzcoatl
    Jan 1, 1427

    Itzcoatl

    Itzcoatl becomes the fourth ruler of the Aztecs. He will found the Aztec Empire.
  • Alliance
    Jan 1, 1428

    Alliance

    he Aztec Empire is formed with a triple alliance between the Aztecs, the Texcocans, and the Tacubans. The Aztecs defeat the Tepanecs.
  • Montezuma I
    Jan 1, 1440

    Montezuma I

    Montezuma I becomes the fifth leader of the Aztecs. His rule will mark the height of the Aztec Empire.
  • Flood
    Oct 8, 1452

    Flood

    The city of Tenochtitlán is damaged by a great flood. The next few years are filled with famine and starvation.
  • The Templo Mayor
    Jan 1, 1487

    The Templo Mayor

    The Templo Mayor (Great Temple of Tenochtitlan) is finished. It is dedicated to the gods with thousands of human sacrifices.
  • Montezuma II
    Jan 1, 1502

    Montezuma II

    Montezuma II becomes ruler of the Aztec Empire. He is the ninth of the Aztec kings.
  • Comet
    Jan 1, 1517

    Comet

    The Aztec priests mark the sighting of a comet in the night sky. They believe the comet was a sign of impending doom.
  • Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes
    Jan 1, 1519

    Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes

    Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrives in Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs treat him as an honored guest, but Cortez takes Montezuma II prisoner. Cortez is driven from the city, but Montezuma II is killed.
  • Cuauhtémoc
    Jan 1, 1520

    Cuauhtémoc

    Cuauhtémoc becomes the tenth emperor of the Aztecs.
  • Cortes
    Jan 3, 1520

    Cortes

    Cortes forms an alliance with the Tlaxcala and begins to attack the Aztecs.
  • Defeated Aztecs
    Jan 1, 1521

    Defeated Aztecs

    Cortes defeats the Aztecs and takes over the city of Tenochtitlán.
  • Spanish rebuild
    Jan 1, 1522

    Spanish rebuild

    The Spanish begin to rebuild the city of Tenochtitlán. It will be called Mexico City and will be the capital of New Spain.