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27,993 BCE
Bering strait formation
During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), sea levels dropped significantly due to the accumulation of ice. This exposed the Bering Land Bridge (Beringia), connecting modern-day Siberia and Alaska. -
17,972 BCE
Migration begins
Paleo-Indians, the ancestors of Native Americans, began migrating from Siberia into Beringia. They followed herds of large animals, such as mammoths, bison, and caribou, as the harsh ice age climate pushed them into new regions. -
12,976 BCE
First Entry into North America
The ice-free corridor between the Laurentide and Cordilleran Ice Sheets opens. This allowed the first migrants to enter the interior of North America. Some groups may have also taken a coastal route along the Pacific, hunting sea mammals and fishing. -
10,000 BCE
End of the ice age
Transition to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Evidence of early settlements and use of tools. -
10,000 BCE
Early human gantherers
Aridoamérica: Nomadic societies, early human
settlement in desert regions. -
7976 BCE
end of beringea
With the end of the Ice Age, global temperatures rose, and sea levels increased. This submerged the Bering Land Bridge, cutting off direct migration between Asia and North America. However, human populations were now widely dispersed across both continents. -
7000 BCE
Domestication of Maize
Maize cultivation begins, marking the development of agriculture and the foundation of Mesoamerican civilizations. -
2000 BCE
Olmec civilization emerges
The Olmecs, considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, establish cities like San Lorenzo and La Venta. They create monumental stone heads and develop early writing and calendar systems. -
1200 BCE
Decline of Olmec Civilization
Other regional cultures like the Zapotecs (Monte Albán) and Maya begin to rise. -
1200 BCE
Olmec Influence Peaks
Olmec culture spreads across Mesoamerica, influencing later civilizations. -
250
Maya Civilization Flourishes
Maya city-states such as Tikal and Palenque thrive, with advances in astronomy, mathematics, and writing. -
300
Teotihuacan rises
The massive city of Teotihuacan, with the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, becomes a major cultural and economic hub. -
600
Decline of teotihuacan
Internal unrest and external pressures contribute to its fall, but its influence persists. -
900
Toltec civilization
The Toltecs establish their capital at Tula, known for its warrior statues and influence over central Mexico. -
1325
Founding of tenochtitlan
The Mexica (later known as the Aztecs) establish their capital city on an island in Lake Texcoco. -
1428
Formation of the aztec triple alliance
The alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan begins Aztec dominance in central Mexico. -
1502
Moctezuma II becomes emperor
The Aztec Empire reaches its height under Moctezuma II, but internal tensions grow. -
Feb 18, 1519
Cortés Expedition Departs Cuba
Hernán Cortés sets sail from Cuba with about 600 men, 11 ships, horses, and artillery. -
Apr 22, 1519
encounter with the totonacs
Cortés reaches the coast near modern-day Veracruz. He allies with the Totonacs, a group discontent with Aztec rule. -
Apr 22, 1519
landing at veracruz
Cortés lands in Cozumel, rescues Spanish castaway Jerónimo de Aguilar (who becomes his interpreter), and begins learning about the region. -
Aug 4, 1519
Retreat to tlaxcala
The survivors regroup in Tlaxcala, where they plan a counterattack with their indigenous allies. -
Nov 8, 1519
entry into tenochtitlan
Cortés and his forces are welcomed into the Aztec capital by Emperor Moctezuma II. Tensions simmer as the Spanish demand gold and exert influence over Moctezuma. -
1520
Smallpox
The disease, brought by the Spanish, spreads rapidly in Tenochtitlan, killing thousands, including the new emperor, Cuitláhuac. -
May 22, 1520
Massacre at the Festival of Tóxcatl
During a religious festival, Spanish forces, led by Pedro de Alvarado, slaughter unarmed Aztec nobles, sparking rebellion. -
Jun 29, 1520
Death of Moctezuma II
Moctezuma is either killed by the Spanish or by his own people for being a perceived traitor. -
Jun 30, 1520
La noche triste
Spanish forces attempt to flee Tenochtitlan but are ambushed by the Aztecs. Many Spaniards and their allies are killed. -
May 26, 1521
Siege of tenochtitlan begins
Cortés and his forces, with tens of thousands of Tlaxcalan allies, lay siege to the Aztec capital. They cut off supplies and water to the city. -
Aug 13, 1521
Fall of Tenochtitlan
After months of fighting, the Aztecs, led by Emperor Cuauhtémoc, surrender to the Spanish. The city is left in ruins. -
1522
Establishment of Mexico City
The Spanish rebuild Tenochtitlan as Mexico City, the capital of New Spain.