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1200
Aztec arrive in the valley of Mexico
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1325
The Aztecs choose the capital of the empire, Tenochtitlan.
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1375
The first dominant ruler of the Aztecs, Acamapichtli, comes into power. They call their ruler the Tlatoani.
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1427
Itzcoatl becomes the fourth ruler of the Aztecs. He will found the Aztec Empire.
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1440
Montezuma I becomes the fifth leader of the Aztecs. His rule will mark the height of the Aztec Empire.
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1452
The city of Tenochtitlan is damaged by a great flood. The next few years are filled with famine and starvation.
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1502
Montezuma II becomes ruler of the Aztec Empire. He is the ninth of the Aztec kings.
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1519
Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrives in Tenochtitlan. 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.
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1521
Cortes defeats the Aztecs and takes over the city of Tenochtitlan.
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1522
The Spanish begin to rebuild the city of Tenochtitlan. It will be called Mexico City and will be the capital of New Spain.