The fall of the Aztec Empire refers to the military conquest and eventual collapse of one of Mesoamerica's most powerful civilizations by Spanish forces led by Hernan Cortes between 1519 and 1521.
Related terms
Tenochtitlan: Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire, located where modern-day Mexico City stands.
Montezuma II: Montezuma II was an Aztec emperor who ruled during Cortes' conquest. He initially welcomed Cortes but later became his prisoner.
Smallpox: Smallpox is a highly contagious disease brought by Europeans that devastated native populations, including the Aztecs, who had no immunity to it.