Timeline Conquest of Mexico

By vics.fj1234
  • 1519

    Cortes defeated the local Mayas

  • 1519

    Hernán Cortés arrives on the coast of Mexico with a small expedition of Spanish conquistadors.

  • Feb 18, 1519

    Cortes leaves Cuba to the sail of Yucatan

  • 1520

    Cortés and his forces reach the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, ruled by Moctezuma II. Moctezuma welcomes Cortés, but tensions rise as the Spanish attempt to take control of the city.

  • 1520

    The Noche Triste takes place, with the Spanish suffering heavy losses during an Aztec resintece.

  • 1524

    Cortés establishes Mexico City (originally known as La Ciudad de México) as the capital of New Spain.

  • 1530

    Cortés secures the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca and is allowed to return to New Spain.

  • 1540

    The New Laws are enacted to protect the rights of indigenous people.

  • 1547

    Hernán Cortés dies in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain.