The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire

The Mexica were the last group of the Chichimecs to arrive in the Valley of Mexico.

Early History

• Their departure from the north was around 1111 CE. They arrived in the Valley of Mexico around 1218.
• They called themselves Mexica, not "Aztec."
• Initially, they were a small community composed of groups called calpulli.
• Population growth led to the adoption of chinampas (garden beds) for growing maize, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and other products.
• Fishing and hunting supplemented their agriculture.
• Their advanced agriculture and military strength enabled them to build a successful state and later, an empire.

The Triple Alliance and Tenochtitlan

• Many years after founding their city, Tenochtitlan, the Mexica formed an alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan.
• This Triple Alliance ruled the Valley of Mexico until the Spanish arrived, with Tenochtitlan becoming the most powerful city and the heart of the Aztec civilization.

Expansion and Dominance

• From their magnificent capital, Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs became the dominant force in central Mexico by the 15th century.
• The Aztec empire expanded around 1428, conquering more cities and ruling about 15 million people.

Conquest and Legacy

• In 1519, Spanish ships arrived when the empire was at its height. They controlled much of present-day Mexico and Central America.
• The empire crumbled rapidly after two years. Some cities resisted, while others were conquered and forced to pay tribute.
• Led by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistadors overthrew the Aztecs in 1521, capturing Tenochtitlan and ending Mesoamerica’s last great native civilization.
• An estimated 240,000 people died during the conquest.
• Cortés destroyed Tenochtitlan and built Mexico City on its ruins.
• Christianity replaced the Aztec temples and traditions, and Mexico City quickly became a major European center in the New World.