History

Foundation of Tenochtitlan

1325

The Mexica people founded the city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, guided by a prophecy about an eagle on a cactus.

Reign of Acamapichtli

1376

Acamapichtli became the first king of the Aztecs

Formation of the Triple Alliance

1428

The Aztecs allied with Texcoco and Tlacopan, establishing the Triple Alliance the enabled significant territory expansion.

Cultural Florishing

1480

The Aztec society experienced a cultural Renaissance with developments in art, architecture, and education.

Population Growth and Urbanization

1500

Tenochtitlan grew to become one of the largest cities in the world, the population is estimated to be over 200,000.

First Spanish Expedition

1517

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba led an expedition to Mexico, making the first contact between the Aztecs and Europeans.

Arrival of Hernán Cortés

1519

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the Mexican coast, beginning serious engagements with the Aztecs.

La Noche Triste

1520

After initial conflicts, the Spanish were driven from Tenochtitlan during a night of chaos, suffering great losses.

Siege of Tenochtitlan

1521

The siege begin early 1521, ultimately leading to the fall of Tenochtitlan on August 13, 1521.

Fall of Tenochtitlan

1521

Tenochtitlan fell to the forces of Hernán Cortés, marking the end of the Aztec empire