Aztec Empire

Aztecs settle in Tenochtitlán

Nov 11, 1325

Tenochtitlán is founded and becomes the capital of the Aztec empire.

Acamapichtli comes into power

Nov 11, 1375

The first Aztec ruler, named Acamapichtli, comes into power. Aztec rulers are called the Tlatoani which means "speaker".

War with the Tepaneca begins

Nov 11, 1427

The Tepaneca were a dominant tribe in central Mexico and had assasinated the third Aztec ruler. The war lasts until 1430.

Itzcoatl becomes the fourth ruler

Nov 11, 1427

The Aztecs gain their fourth leader, Itzcoatl. He will eventually found the empire.

Montezuma I becomes the fifth leader

Nov 11, 1440

Montezuma I becomes the fifth Aztec leader, marking the height of the Empire. His rule will lead to a great expansion of the empire.

Tenochtitlán is severely damaged by flooding

Nov 11, 1452

Tenochtitlán becomes severely damaged by flooding, which leads to famine throughout the empire that lasts until 1454.

Montezuma II rules

Nov 11, 1502

Montezuma II, the ninth Aztec ruler, comes into power. Montezuma II is the most well-known ruler.

Hernan Cortes arrives in Tenochtitlán

Nov 11, 1519

Hernan Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, arrives in Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs treat him as a guest, but he takes Montezuma II prisoner. Cortes is driven out, but Montezuma II is killed.

First smallpox epidemic

Nov 11, 1520

The tenth Aztec ruler, Cuitahuac, dies of the first case of smallpox. Rule of the eleventh and final ruler, Cuauhetemoc, begins.

Fall of Tenochtitlán

Nov 11, 1521

Cuauhetemoc surrenders to Hernan Cortes and Tenochtitlán is destroyed.