Aztec Empire Map in 3D: Tenochtitlan and the Triple Alliance
The Aztec Empire ruled much of central Mexico from its island capital, Tenochtitlan, built in the middle of a lake. It began as an alliance of three city states and grew through war and tribute until the Spanish arrived in 1519. On the 3D History Globe you can watch it spread across Mexico.
Explore in 3DAztec Empire quick facts
| Dates | 1428 to 1521 |
|---|---|
| Capital | Tenochtitlan, today's Mexico City |
| Capital's people | Probably around 200,000 |
| Famous rulers | Itzcoatl, Moctezuma I, Moctezuma II, Cuauhtémoc |
| Language | Nahuatl |
Interesting facts
- Tenochtitlan was built on an island and linked to the shore by long causeways.
- It was one of the largest cities in the world at the time.
- Floating gardens called chinampas helped feed the city.
- The Aztecs used a 365-day calendar alongside a 260-day ritual calendar.
- The Spanish conquest succeeded with the help of many thousands of local allies and a smallpox epidemic.
Aztec Empire timeline
- 1325Tenochtitlan is founded on an island in Lake Texcoco
- 1428The Triple Alliance is formed
- 1440Moctezuma I begins his reign
- 1502Moctezuma II becomes ruler
- 1519Hernán Cortés arrives
- 1521Tenochtitlan falls to the Spanish and their allies
On the History Globe, press play to watch these stages appear one by one, with the borders growing across the map.
More empires in 3D
Aztec Empire questions
Where was the Aztec capital?
Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco. Mexico City is built on its ruins.
What language did the Aztecs speak?
Nahuatl, which is still spoken by over a million people in Mexico today.
What were chinampas?
Floating garden plots built in the shallow lake, used to grow crops for the city.
When did the Aztec Empire fall?
In 1521, when Tenochtitlan fell to Hernán Cortés and his many local allies.
Who was Moctezuma II?
The Aztec ruler when the Spanish arrived in 1519. He died in 1520 during the conflict.
The 3D History Globe is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. Map borders are approximate, for learning.