Encountering the Aztec Empire
At the beginning of the 1500’s, the Aztecs controlled hundreds of subjugated cities and a large territory of what is now southern Mexico. They controlled an empire that demanded tributes of their subjects.
In 1519, Hernan Cortez, a Spanish conqueror arrived in what is now the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Spain had previously sent expeditions to explore the region. Interestingly, Spain was not aware of the extent of the Aztec Empire. Over the next months, the conquerors moved west. Cortez forged alliances with several tribes who were subjects of the Aztec Empire. He continued his march westward. Then, in October of 1519, the conquerors destroyed the Aztec city of Cholula.
When the conquerors arrived in Tenochtitlan, the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma welcomed them. Disregarding the emperor’s hospitality, Cortez put Moctezuma under house arrest. Meanwhile, orders from Spain were that Cortez was to be arrested for continuing with his expedition. He arranged a surprise attack on the entrusted party, defeated them, and persuaded them to join him in his conquest.
During this time Moctezuma passed away. Under a new Aztec emperor, Cortez was forced to retreat east of Tenochtitlan. Other tribes integrated and his forces grew strong over the following months.
During this time, the smallpox disease had spread and half of the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan were killed.
Siege of Tenochtitlan
In the past, Tenochtitlan was founded on a man-made island in Lake Texcoco. The city was accessible by boat and open causeways.
In May of 1521, Cortez led a coalition of Spanish and indigenous allies to the outskirts. They mounted assault after assault and weakened the Aztec defenders. Under this siege, more neighboring tribes integrated. Thus, the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan was held under siege for 93 days, by the forces of Cortez.
The forces sacked and destroyed the city, overthrowing the Aztec empire.
On August 13, 1521, the city was conquered and the Spanish took control.
https://allmexico.store/mexico-sites/
Author: AllMexico.store
References
National Geographic https://education.nationalgeographic.org
Brittanica
History https://history.com/this-day-in-history/aztec-capital-falls-to-cortes
One response to “The Fall of the Aztecs on August 13th”
[…] The Spaniards ordered a great massacre and the Aztecs resisted. In the midst of a bloody battle, Moctezuma II was killed by Cortés and his men, in 1520. Moctezuma II was son of Axayácatl, great-grandson of […]