The Aztecs Empire

The Aztecs discover Lake Texcoco

1325

Decades after the Aztec left their home in search of new land to build their empire on, they came across Lake Texcoco. That is where they saw an eagle, eating a snake, on top of a cactus in the middle of the lake and believed it was a sign from the gods that this was where they should build there capital for their empire, Tenochtitlán.

Acamapichtli is Becomes Emperor

1376

A group of wealthy, make, nobles come together and decide who the first emperor of Tenochtitlán will be. Acamapichtli was chosen and crowned the first emperor. He reigned for nineteen years and was crowned while the Aztecs were under the dominant rule of the Tepanec.

The Triple Alliance is Established

1431

The Aztecs create an alliance between the city of Texcoco, Tlacopan, and themselves. This relationship will provide support and trust, plus it will become the base of the Aztec Empire.

Severe Flooding in Tenochtitlán

1452

When extreme weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, occurred over the empire, the floating gardens and chinampas would greatly flood depending on how harsh the weather was. The Aztecs made many human sacrifices to plead to the gods and try to end what is currently angering them and causing them to punish the Aztecs, so the severe damage that destroyed many parts of the empire could come to an end.

Cortes arrives

1519

The Spanish conquistador, Hernán Cortes, arrived in Tenochtitlán, Mexico in 1519 with five-hundred men and eleven ships. He captured the Aztecs and forcefully took control of the empire. He then killed their king, which led to the fall of the Aztec Empire.

The Decline of the Aztec Empire

1521

Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec king, surrendered to the Cortes and the Aztec Empire began to fall. The Spaniards rebuilt the city around 1522 and Tenochtitlán became present-day Mexico City, which became the new capital of Spain. Cuauhtémoc was hung and killed by Cortes and the other Spaniards, which left the Aztecs with no leader.