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Siege of Tenochtitlan

Type Event Region North America Time 1521

From May to August 1521, Hernán Cortés led Spanish forces and indigenous allies such as the Tlaxcalans in a decisive siege of the Aztec capital Tenoc…

Timeline

  1. 1521Outskirts of Tenochtitlan · MexicoCortés advanced from the direction of Lake Texcoco, dismantled the bridges on the causeways leading into the city, cut the Aztec capital off from the outside world, and deployed artillery and crossbows to bombard the defenses.
  2. 1521Lake Texcoco · Valley of MexicoThe Spanish coalition built thirteen flat-bottomed warships to control the lake surface, cutting off food and water supplies to the city; both sides fought fierce street battles in the city's streets and canals, with Aztec warriors counterattacking in canoes.
  3. 1521Central plaza of Tenochtitlan · Mexico CityAfter three months of siege the city ran out of food and plague broke out; Cuauhtémoc attempted to break out by canoe but was captured, Tenochtitlan fell, and the Aztec Empire's military resistance came to an end.

Sources