Timeline of Aztec Empire

1100 –
The Aztecs depart from Aztlan, their home in northern Mexico, and start traveling south. The Aztecs will relocate numerous times throughout the course of the following 225 years until settling down in Tenochtitlan.

1200 –
In the Valley of Mexico, the Aztecs arrive.

1250 –
They relocate to Chapultepec, but the Culhuacan tribe forces them to leave.

1325 –
Tenochtitlan is established as a city. It will eventually become the Aztec Empire’s capital. The priests choose the site because it is there that they see the prophesied sign of an eagle perched on a cactus, carrying a serpent.

1350 –
Around Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs start constructing canals and causeways.

1375 –
Acamapichtli, the first powerful monarch of the Aztecs, assumes control. The word “speaker” Tlatoani is used to refer to their king.

1427 –
Itzcoatl succeeds to the position of fourth Aztec emperor. He’ll establish the Aztec Empire.

1428 –
The Aztecs, Texcocans, and Tacubans form a triple alliance to create the Aztec Empire. Tepanecs are defeated by the Aztecs.

1440 –
Montezuma I ascend to the position of fifth Aztec leader. The Aztec Empire will reach its pinnacle during his reign.

1440 to 1469 –
Montezuma I run the empire and significantly enlarge it.

1452 –
A significant flood causes devastation to Tenochtitlan. Famine and starvation abound in the ensuing years.

1487 –
The Great Temple of Tenochtitlan, or Templo Mayor, has been completed. The gods are honored with countless human sacrifices in this temple.

1502 –
The Aztec Empire is ruled by Montezuma II. He is the ninth Aztec monarch.

1517 –
The discovery of a comet in the night sky is commemorated by Aztec priests. They think that the comet portended coming calamity.

1519 –
Hernan Cortes, a conquistador from Spain, lands in Tenochtitlan. While Cortez imprisons Montezuma II, the Aztecs treat him as a guest of honor. Montezuma II is dead, but Cortez is pushed from the city.

1520 –
The tenth ruler of the Aztecs is Cuauhtémoc.

1520 –
Cortes joins forces with the Tlaxcala and launches an assault on the Aztecs.

1521 –
The Aztecs are vanquished by Cortes, who henceforth rules Tenochtitlan.

1522 –
Tenochtitlan’s city center is being rebuilt by the Spanish. The capital of New Spain will be a place called Mexico City.