Aztec Empire (1376 - 1520)

Aztec Empire (1376-1520)

Period: 1376 BCE to 1520 BCE

My timeline is about the Aztec Empire. The purose of this timeline is to inform the reader about important events and reigns rearding the Aztecs.

Itzcoatl

Mar 20, 1360

He was the second emperor of the Aztecs. He led the Aztecs in a war against the Alcohua and the Azcapotzalco, in which he won and claimed the lake in dispute. After the war, he declared Tenochtitlan the capital of the valley. He coined the term “Mexico-Tenochtitlan” to use as the name for his city and “Mexicans” as a term to be used to reference his people. Itzcoatl was the known to be the "Founder of Mexico." His reign helped expand the Aztec Empire. He reigned from 1360 to 1440

Acamapichtli

Mar 20, 1376

Acampichtli was the first emperor of the Aztecs. Myths suggest, that to his people he embodied Mexica's eminence. His reign signified the start of the Mexica as an independent political entity. His reign lasted from 1376 to 1396 http://sites.estvideo.net/malinal/1.hist/images/acamapichtli.jpg

Toxhiuhmolpilia

Nov 20, 1403

Also known as the “Binding of the Years” ceremony and The New Fire ceremony, was held every fifty-two years in November. This was symbolizing the completion of the Aztec year. It was to “renew” the sun and guarantee another year to come. This was the most important event to the Aztecs do to the fact that they believed if the ceremony didn’t succeed, they would cease to exist. http://www.ancient.eu/article/866/

The Triple Alliance

Mar 20, 1428

It was an alliance between the Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. This alliance ruled over the Aztec civilization until the Spaniards started to make waves. The start of this alliance was a significant point because there were wars for each other’s land. The alliance was made up of their own city-states and by the time the Spaniards arrived, the alliance was mainly ruled by the Tenochtitlan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aztec_Empire#/media/File:Aztec_Triple_Alliance.png

Montezuma I (Part One)

Mar 20, 1440

He was the fifth emperor of the Aztecs. His reign represented the Aztec's first real independence and power. Over his rule, he created order and stability amongst his people. At the start of his reign, he went against the city of Chalco and expanded his territory. Also, during his reign, floods, frost, and snow destroyed the Aztec's crops. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Huehuemoteuczoma_mendoza.jpg/220px-Huehuemoteuczoma_mendoza.jpg

Montezuma I (Part Two)

Mar 20, 1440

There was also a four-year drought that ended many of his people's lives. Even with the struggles his people faced, Montezuma was still able to expand his territory through trade, negotiation, and war. His reign expanded the empire out of the Valley of Mexico and he seized control over much of Central Mexico. http://www.aztec-history.com/images/moctezuma-i.jpg.pagespeed.ce.lqZzZWXtqq.jpg

Montezuma I (Part Three)

Mar 20, 1440

During his reign, fresh water reached Tenochtitlan and high standards for civic and social advancement were established due to penal and social laws. He reworked Mexica’s calendar and recorded Mexica’s History. He constructed sculptures, temples, and botanical gardens. He reigned from 1440 to 1469. http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/images-3/337_06_2.jpg

Agricultural Hardships

Mar 20, 1440

Under Montezuma I's rule, his people experienced floods, frost, and snow that destroyed their crops. They also experienced a four-year drought. This is significant because this caused starvation amongst the Aztec people. At a time like this, if your plants didn't grow, you would starve and possibly die. This was a tragic time in Aztec History.

Axayacatl

Mar 20, 1468

The Sixth emperor of the Aztecs. He expanded his empire. During his reign, from 1468 to 1481, he captured Toluca after combat, won against Tatelolo, and went against his brother-in-law and throwing him to his death. He led an expedition of 20,000 men against the Tarascans in Michoancan. Since it was poorly planned, they were outnumbered. Most of the army was kill or captured. This was the greatest defeat in Aztec history, up till that point. temples were made for Aztec gods of war and rain.

Montezuma II (Part One)

Mar 20, 1502

This was the start of Montezuma II's reign;the ninth emperor of the Aztecs. He was an infamously cruel ruler and he was one of the most powerful and autocratic rulers in Aztec history. During his reign, Hernando Cortes, a Spaniard, took Montezuma hostage and started to destroy his empire. Montezuma II 's reign was at the height of the Aztec empire. Durin his reign he rebelled against the Nopallan and Icpatepec. The Tlaxcatlecans, Mixtec, and Zapotec all were overrun during Montezuma's reign.

Montezuma II (Part Two)

Mar 20, 1502

He also experienced rebellions throughout his own territories, during his reign. Around that time, the first sightings of Cortes were made. Soon after, he lost his power amongst his people. Also during his reign, the Aztecs rose up against the Spaniards. He was killed when attempting to deliver a message of an end to resistance against the Spaniards. Montezuma II reigned from 1502 to 1520.

Cortes (Part One)

Mar 20, 1510

Around the time that rebellions breeched Montezuma II’s walls, the first sightings of Cortes were made. Since his arrival was believed to come with bad omens, such as falling shooting stars, it made the emperor worried. In fear, he sent Cortes mounds of gold and silver as gifts, believing it would please them so that they’d leave his empire alone because he believed they were gods. The riches actually fed the Spaniard's thirst and only elongated their stay.

Cortes (Part Two)

Mar 20, 1519

Later Cortes and his crew arrived at the capitol with hopes of seizing the capital. Cortez kidnapped Montezuma II. Though imprisonment, he still ruled his empire. Soon later, he lost his power amongst his people. When Cortes left temporarily, the Aztecs rose up in resistance.

Cortes (Part Three)

Mar 20, 1519

When Cortes returned, he was persuaded to release Montezuma II’s brother, who then led the fight against the Spaniards. Once the Aztecs cornered Cortes, Montezuma II was forced to publicly force his people to cooperate. The Aztecs then killed Montezuma II by throwing stones at him. https://www.google.com/search?q=Montezuma+II+death&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwin0NKG0eTSAhXD7CYKHcrCAcoQ_AUIBigB&biw=846&bih=679#imgrc=oR1av3sCBcuEaM:

Cortes Takes Over

Mar 20, 1520

At this point, Cortes has kidnapped and enslaved the emperor Montezuma II. He does whatever Cortes asks of him, for he is afraid for his life. Once Montezuma II offered gold and silver to him when he arrived, he made it his mission to take over the Aztec empire on his journey to taking Mexico. The captured Emperor couldn't do much good, but he was still mostly in power.