Ask History: What Happened to the Aztecs? | History

The Height and Collapse of the Aztec Empire00:00:00

In 1519, the Aztec Empire was a sophisticated civilization ruling over 15 million people. However, within two years of the arrival of Hernan Cortez, the empire collapsed and its capital, Tenochtitlan, was destroyed.

Key Factors for the Fall00:00:39

The downfall was driven by a combination of factors: the Aztecs' many enemies who were oppressed by tribute and sacrifice, the Spanish use of superior weaponry and horses, and the indecisive leadership of Emperor Montezuma, who initially feared Cortez might be a god.

Disease and Final Siege00:01:31

Smallpox introduced by the Spanish decimated the Aztec population. Following the death of the emperor, Cortez, supported by indigenous allies, besieged the city, cutting off food and water until Tenochtitlan fell on August 13, 1521.

The Aftermath of Conquest00:02:07

With the empire destroyed, Cortez was named governor of New Spain. The ruins of Tenochtitlan were replaced by Mexico City, and Spanish colonial rule along with Christianity fundamentally transformed the region.