The Aztec Empire (c. 1345-1521) covered at its greatest extent most of northern Mesoamerica. Aztec warriors were able to dominate their neighbouring states and permit rulers such as Montezuma to impose Aztec ideals and religion across Mexico. Highly accomplished in agriculture and trade, the last of the great Mesoamerican civilizations was also noted for its art and architecture.
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Definition
Timeline
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1100 - 1200The Valley of Mexico is first settled by migrating tribes (Chichimecs, Tepanecs, Mexica and Acolhua).
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c. 1345 - 1521The Aztec civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
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1345Traditional date for the founding of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco.
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1350 - 1522The Tarascan civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
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1351New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
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1375 - 1395Acamapichtli reigns as leader of the Aztecs.
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1396 - 1417Huitzilihuitl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1403New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
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1417 - 1426Chimalpopoca reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1418Texcoco is temporarily conquered by Mexica and Tepanec forces.
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c. 1427The Sun Stone depicting the ages of the five suns of Aztec mythology is carved and set up at Tenochtitlan.
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1427 - 1440Itzcoatl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1428The Triple Alliance is formed between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan.
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1431Netzahualcoyotl officially becomes tlatoani or leader of Texcoco.
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1440 - 1469Motecuhzoma I reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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c. 1450The Aztecs establish a garrison at Mitla in the Oaxaca Valley.
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1455New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
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1469 - 1481Axayacatl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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c. 1473The Coyolxauhqui Stone is carved depicting the Aztec goddess Coyolxauhqui, dismembered by the god Huitzilopochtli.
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1481 - 1486Tizoc reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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c. 1485The Stone of Tizoc is carved depicting the Aztec king Tizoc attacking warriors from the Matlatzinca.
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1486 - 1502Ahuitzotl reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1487The Templo Mayor is completed at Tenochtitlan and inaugurated with the sacrifice of 20,000 captives.
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c. 1494Aztec leader Ahuitzotl conquers the central valleys of Oaxaca.
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1502 - 1520Motecuhzoma II reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1507New Fire Ceremony celebrated by the Aztecs.
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c. 1507The Throne of Motecuhzoma II is carved. Also known as the Monument of Sacred War.
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Nov 1519Motecuhzoma II receives Hernán Cortés at the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan.
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1520Cuitláhuac is briefly the successor to Motecuhzoma II as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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30 Jun 1520Death of Aztec ruler Motecuhzoma II.
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7 Jul 1520Hernán Cortés defeats a large Aztec army at Otumba.
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1521 - 1525Cuauhtémoc reigns as leader of the Aztec Empire.
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1521Texcoco provides ships and men to aide the Spanish siege of Tenochtitlan.
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13 Aug 1521The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan falls into the hands of Spanish forces led by Hernán Cortés.
