The city of Tenochtitlan was home to the Aztec empire, one of the most important societies in Mesoamerica. Head to Mexico City to get an up-close look at the Great Temple’s historical museum and learn about the history of the site.

The first Mexican empire

The ancient Aztec empire was discovered in 1978, after years of research and projects at the site. This is because the Spaniards decided to hide the great empire by constructing buildings on top of it.

The great Tenochtitlan

This magnificent place became one of the most important states in the 15th century. It was the ancient capital of the Aztec empire, the city of Tenochtitlan, the nerve center of the religious and political life of Mexica society.

This arose in the year 1325, as a result of the migration process of the Aztecs to find the land of their god, who would guide them to a new territory to live in peace. This sacred place would be marked by an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree, hence its name in Nahuatl ”among the prickly pears” or ”place where prickly pears abound”.

These came to subdue several indigenous populations, who later revolted against them. It was, in fact, in the year 1521 when the city would fall into the hands of the Spaniards aided by these rival peoples.

Everything was a consequence of repeated battles, months of siege of the city, deaths from unknown diseases and the clear arms disadvantage against the Europeans. It was the conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés and several indigenous peoples allied against the Aztec empire.

The capital of the Aztec empire

• Tzompantli
• Juego de pelota
• Tepeyacacac Causeway
• Calmecac
• House of the eagles
• Huitzilopochtli Temple
• Tlaloc Temple

It is composed of several buildings that were vital to the daily life of the Aztec citizens. These were built with great skill and demonstrate the artistic as well as technological advances of the ancient citizens at that time.

The temple of Huitzilopochtli was built to pay homage to the god, and would be the epicenter of all the buildings that would be built later. It is believed that more than 70 temples were built around it. We also found the Tepeyacac Causeway, one of the main roads that connects with other roads.

Access to the site is from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The entrance fee is 80 Mexican pesos.

Mexico City, Tenochtitlan

The city of Tenochtitlan was located on an islet within the Valley of Mexico. It is currently located in the capital, Mexico City. Today, the Zócalo square, the seat of the presidency, and other important buildings of the city are located there.

It is advisable to visit the Great Temple, dedicated to the main gods of war and rain, the most important for the ancient Aztec empire. Inside you can soak up history with the historical museum, filled with artifacts, pieces found in excavations and much more.