Student Question
What did Hernan Cortes and his forces do to Tenochtitlan after conquering the Aztec empire?
Quick answer:
After conquering the Aztec empire in 1521, Hernan Cortes and his forces destroyed Tenochtitlan, leveling it completely. In its place, Cortes established Mexico City, which became the economic, cultural, and political hub of Spain's New World empire. The former Aztec center was developed into the Plaza Mayor, now known as Zócalo, and became the site for significant political and religious buildings, earning Mexico City the nickname "City of Palaces."
The conquistador Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztecs in 1521. After the Spanish forces and their allies savagely pillaged the remnants of the city, Cortes had Tenochtitlan completely leveled to the ground. In its place he built Mexico City, the modern capital of Mexico. Mexico City would become the economic, cultural, and political capital of Spain's empire in the New World.
Cortes thoroughly developed the former Aztec ceremonial and political center as the main square of the city. It was given the name Plaza Mayor. It is commonly called Zócalo. The location became the center of political activity and buildings were built to house the seats of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The location was also the center of religious activity as buildings were constructed for the Archbishop of Mexico. So lavish were the buildings that Mexico City became known as the "City of Palaces."
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