While Itzcoatl laid down the foundations of the Aztec Empire, it was during the reign of Moctezuma I and Tlacaelel, which extended from 1440 to 1469, that most of the ideological framework of the empire was established.Įmperor Moctezuma I also continued the expansion of the empire while Tlacaelel strengthened the ideological basis of the empire by such concepts as Aztecs being the chosen people. Itzcoatl was succeeded by Moctezuma I who was assisted by Tlacaelel who acted as his trusted assistant. Additionally, he constructed temples, roads, and causeways along with an impressive religious and governmental hierarchy.Īztec History: Moctezuma I and Tlacaelel 1440-1469 He constantly increased the power of Tenochtitlan by subduing the neighbouring city-states and also developed laws of the new empire. He made important contributions in laying down the foundations of the Aztec Empire. His rule extended from 1427 until his death in 1440. Itzcoatl was the first emperor in Aztec history after the formation of the Aztec Empire. This alliance defeated Azcapotzalco and Tenochtitlan emerged as the most powerful city-state and the capital of the Aztec Empire.Īztec History: Reign of Itzcoatl 1427-1440 However, when their emperor Chimalpopoca was assassinated, the civil war of succession began which soon spread to other city-states.ĭuring this war, a triple alliance was formed between the city-states of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. In the Aztec history, the famous Triple Alliance has particular relevance because it was thanks to this alliance that Aztec Empire was established in 1428.īefore the formation of the alliance, Azcapotzalco was the most powerful city-state in the region. According to some experts, this was a region of Southwestern United States while others place it in the north of the Mexico Valley. It is known that they migrated from the north several centuries before the empire was established and some have suggested that the Nahua people, who later became the Aztecs, began to migrate into the Mesoamerican region from the 6th century onwards.Īccording to Aztec legend, their place of origin was called Aztlan but its location is unknown. It is hard to trace the origins of the Mexica people who formed the Aztec Empire. The Aztec Empire was finally overthrown in 1521 at the hands of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes.

Thus came the period of Aztec Empire which was established in 1428 after a civil war. The city-state came into clash with the neighbouring city-states with the passage of time and eventually it became the most powerful city in the region. It was not an ideal location but their motivation was based on a religious legend. Report this ad Aztec History Timeline and Periodsįor formal Aztec history and timeline, 1325 can be taken as the starting point because it was this year when the Aztecs established their capital Tenochtitlan on the swampy grounds of Lake Texcoco.

Aztec civilization