What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?

Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire. Built on an island in Lake Texcoco, it became the political, economic, and ceremonial center of the Mexica-led empire.

The city’s traditional founding date is 1325, although historians note that the exact date is uncertain. Mexica tradition connected the site to a prophetic sign: an eagle perched on a cactus while holding a snake. The image later became a national symbol of Mexico.

Tenochtitlan grew through causeways, canals, temples, markets, and chinampa agriculture. At its height, it was one of the largest cities in the pre-Columbian Americas. The nearby city of Tlatelolco was an important sister city and commercial center, but it was not the empire’s capital. Tlacopan and Texcoco were allied members of the Triple Alliance.

Spanish and Indigenous forces captured Tenochtitlan on 13 August 1521 after a long siege. Mexico City was subsequently built over much of the ruins, which is why the modern capital occupies the site of the former Aztec capital.