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The Mexica (commonly referred to as the Aztecs) emerged as a dominant power in central Mexico during the Late Postclassic period, culminating in the formation of the Triple Alliance (1427/28 CE) between Tenochtitlán, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. Building on earlier migrations into the Basin of Mexico (traditionally dated to the 12th–13th centuries), the Mexica transformed from one of several Nahua-speaking city-states into the leading force in a regional system of competing polities. Under rulers such as Itzcóatl (reign 1427-1440) and Motecuhzoma I (reign 1440-1469), the alliance expanded through warfare, diplomacy, and strategic subordination, establishing a hegemonic network rather than a territorially uniform state.
By the late 15th and early 16th centuries, under Ahuítzotl (reign 1486-1502) and Motecuhzoma II (reign 1502-1520), this system reached its greatest extent, structured around tribute extraction, military enforcement, and ritual authority centered on Tenochtitlán. The capital functioned as a major urban and ceremonial hub, integrating diverse regions through economic and ideological means. However, this model of indirect control also produced tensions with subject polities, which became decisive during the Spanish-led conquest under Hernán Cortés (campaign 1519-1521). The fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521 marked the collapse of Mexica dominance and the incorporation of the region into the Spanish imperial system.
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Cite This Work
APA Style
Netchev, S. (2026, May 04). Map of the Rise and Fall of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire: Alliance, Expansion, and Tribute Power in Mesoamerica. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14181/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-mexica-aztec-empir/
Chicago Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Fall of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire: Alliance, Expansion, and Tribute Power in Mesoamerica." World History Encyclopedia, May 04, 2026. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14181/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-mexica-aztec-empir/.
MLA Style
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Fall of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire: Alliance, Expansion, and Tribute Power in Mesoamerica." World History Encyclopedia, 04 May 2026, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14181/map-of-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-mexica-aztec-empir/.
