The first Aztecs, the Azteca chichimeca,migrated in the 12th century from the north west towards the area that is now
Mexico. The name "Aztec" comes from a city, Aztlán, said to be the birthplace of this people. They were quickly called Mexicas. After some reticence on the part of many of the peoples present in Central America, the Aztecs in the end settled down. They built their capital Tenochtitlán in 1325 (1345 according to
another version). Alliances and marriages with the descendants of neighboring noble lineages finally gave them their
legitimacy.

The Aztecs take on increasing importance. After a few warlike conflicts,they negotiate a union with two neighboring cities, Texcoco and Tlacopan.This will be the Triple Alliance which will bring power and wealth. But in fact the Aztec Emperor of Tenochtitlán, Montecuzoma II,soon imposes himself as the supreme leader.So the Aztecs reign over what is now Mexico and their civilization flourishes until the coming of the Spaniards led by Cortés in 1519. When the Spaniards reach Tenochtitlán, some of them believe they are in paradise …which does not prevent them exterminating the Aztec civilization in just two years.