Aztec Empire Expansion

Timeline

1. 1451–1460Morelos and the periphery of the Valley of Mexico · MexicoMoctezuma I led allied armies in a series of campaigns against polities south and east of the valley, establishing garrisons and tribute officials after defeating enemies and bringing more city-states into the Aztec tributary orbit. Conquests often retained local rulers, with marriages and hostages ensuring loyalty.
2. 1451–1460Great Temple of Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoAs imperial wealth grew with tribute, Tenochtitlan undertook large-scale expansion of the Great Temple and palace precinct, showcasing the cult of the sun and war gods. The capital's population and markets flourished, with canals, bridges, and water supply systems supporting the ever-growing priestly and warrior classes.
3. 1450–1455Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoSevere droughts and floods around 1450 caused food shortages; the rulers drew on granaries, adjusted tribute, and staged large-scale sacrifices to stabilize the populace. After the crisis, imperial administration became more rigorous, and the extraction of food and labor from vassal city-states became a key instrument of hegemony.