The Aztec Empire (1325 - 1521)

Project Introduction

1325

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican empire that flourished between 1345 and 1521. This timeline will highlight the significant events of the empire. Image URLhttps://goo.gl/images/l1VXtJ

Before the Aztec Empire is formed

Period: 1325 to 1427

Time before the Aztec empire is established. During this time was the development of the the city Tenochtitlan including the development of roads, causeways, and canals; Itzcoatl, the emperor who is credited for beginning the empire takes reign; and the foundation of the Aztec Empire was formed

City of Tenochtitlan

Jun 20, 1325

The city was founded on June 20, 1325 and it was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. Legend says that one of their Gods, Huitzilopochtli, who took the form of an eagle, was seen perched on a cactus eating a snake near the land. Mexica leaders saw this as a sign and moved their people (Hirst) It later becomes the capital of the Aztec Empire and the largest city of Pre-Columbian Americas (Wikipedia) Located in today's Mexico City.
Image URL https://goo.gl/images/9wd6CA

Itzcoatl becomes emperor

1422

Itzcoatl becomes emperor and reigns from 1422-1440. He is the 4th King of Tenochtitlan. During his reign temples, roads, and causeways were built. He formed the Triple Alliance and laid the foundation for the Aztec Empire (Wikipedia) Image URL https://goo.gl/images/G5BJpd

Aztec Empire Formed

1428

In 1428, Itzcoatl, the current Aztec ruler in Tenochtitlan, joined forces with the cities of Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. They became known as the Triple Alliance and began the Aztec Empire. Image URL <img src="http://the-aztec-empire.weebly.com/uploads/1/8/3/8/18382061/594522491.gif?321" alt="Image result for pictures of the aztec empire"/>

Montezuma I becomes King

1440

Montezuma I (c.1398 - 1469) becomes the second leader of the Aztec empire. His rule marks the height of the empire. His reign saw the development of an aqueduct system that brought fresh water to Tenochtitlan. He also expanded the empire to the Gulf Coast (Wikipedia).
image URL https://goo.gl/images/HmfStV

Montezuma II

1502

Montezuma II (1466 - June 1520) is the nineth Aztec Emperor who reigned from 1502 - 1520. During his reign the empire reached it's greatest size through warfare. Image URL https://goo.gl/images/QwuwUc

Impending Doom

1517

The Aztec people in Tenochtitlan see a comet fly through the sky. This was seen as a sign of impending doom. This happens two years before the arrival of Spanish Conqueror Cortes. Image URLhttps://goo.gl/images/QXKzg2

Meeting of Cortes and Montezuma

Nov 8, 1519

Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes arrives at the empire. Montezuma allows Cortes to enter the empire because he believes they were descendants of the gods. He had no idea that Cortes planned to take over the city. Image URL https://goo.gl/images/b4ieWg

Capture of Montezuma II

Nov 14, 1519

Cortes had been plotting his take over of Tenochtitlan and finally saw his chance. He captured Montezuma and held him as ransom. The Spaniards were able to collect gold and silver from the city. Image URL https://goo.gl/images/o7EUW1

Battle between Cortes and Aztecs

May 20, 1520

Cortes joins forces with Tlaxcala and goes to war with the Aztecs. This occurs while Cortes has Montezuma II held prisoner. The Aztecs were furious and forced the Spanish to take cover and block themselves inside the palace of Axayactl. Cortes arrives and sees his men struggling in the battle and orders Montezuma to plead with his people to surrender (Minster)
image URL https://goo.gl/images/5VEsey

Death of Montezuma II

Jun 29, 1520

During a battle with the Aztecs, Cortes forced Montezuma to climb to the roof of the palace and plead to his people to surrender to the Spanish. His people were furious at this and began to throw spears and stones at Montezuma. He was badly injured by his people and died a few days later from his wounds (Minster). Cuitlahuac becomes the 10th ruler
Images URL https://goo.gl/images/rUxL85

Cuauhtemoc becomes emperor

1521

Cuauhtemoc becomes the last Aztec Emperor. He ruled from 1520 to 1521. He was defeated by Cortes. He is celebrated in Mexican culture for being the only Aztec Emperor to survive the Spanish conquest (Wikipedia) Image URL https://goo.gl/images/MHGosv

Fall of the Aztec Empire

Aug 13, 1521

Cortes defeats the Aztecs and takes over the city of Tenochtitlan, thus ending the Aztec Empire and marks the beginning of the Spanish rule. Image URLhttps://goo.gl/images/MQgHCv

Works cited continued

1530

Nelson, Ken. " Aztec Empire for Kids: Religion, Gods, and Mythology ." Ducksters. Technological Solutions, Inc. (TSI), July 2018. Web. 26 July 2018. < https://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_empire/religion_gods_and_mythology.php >. Wikipedia, "Aztec Empire". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec_Empire Wikipedia, Montezuma II, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moctezuma_II

Works cited

1540

Hirst, Kris. "How a City in a Swamp Became the Capital of the Aztecs. Updated August 17, 2017 https://www.thoughtco.com/the-aztec-capital-city-of-tenochtitlan-167271 Minster, Christopher. "The Death of Montezuma". January 8, 2018. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-death-of-montezuma-2136529