Tenochtitlan, also known as Mexico-Tenochtitlan, was a large Mexican altepetl in what is now the historic center of Mexico City.  The exact date of the founding of the city is unclear, but the date 13 March 1325 was chosen in 1925 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the city.  The city was built on an island in what was then Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico.  The city was the capital of the expanding Aztec Empire in the 15th century until it was captured by the Tlaxcaltec and the Spanish in 1521.

Hernan Cortés arrived in Tenochtitlan on 8 November 1519.  Although there are no precise numbers, the city’s population has been estimated at between 200,000 and 400,000 inhabitants, placing Tenochtitlan among the largest cities in the world at that time.  Compared to the cities of Europe, only Paris, Venice and Constantinople might have rivaled it.  It was five times the size of the London of Henry VIII.  In a letter to the Spanish king, Cortés wrote that Tenochtitlan was as large as Seville or Córdoba.  Cortés’ men were in awe at the sight of the splendid city and many wondered if they were dreaming.

When Cortés and his men invaded Tenochtitlan, Moctezuma II chose to welcome Cortés as an ambassador rather than risk a war which might quickly be joined by aggrieved indigenous people. 

They were then brought to a large house that would serve as their home for their stay in the city.  Once they were settled, Moctezuma himself sat down and spoke with Cortés.  The great ruler declared that anything that they needed would be theirs to have.  He was thrilled to have visitors of such stature.  Although the Spaniards were seeking gold, Moctezuma expressed that he had very little of the sort, but all of it was to be given to Cortés if he desired it.

Here they learned that Moctezuma was supposedly the one who ordered the officers executed.  Back in Tenochtitlan, Cortés detained Moctezuma and questioned him.  Though no serious conclusions were reached, this negatively affected the relationship between Moctezuma and the Spaniards.

Cortés subsequently besieged Tenochtitlan for over 90 days, causing a famine.  Having gained control, he then directed the systematic destruction and leveling of the city; and began its rebuilding, despite opposition.

(Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 22). Tenochtitlan. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17:51, March 25, 2026)