The downfall of the Aztec Empire occurred through a series of extraordinary events led by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and a handful of Spanish soldiers at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1519, Cortés and his army arrived in the region that is modern-day Mexico, aiming to seize a major Aztec city known as Tenochtitlán.

Cortés' encounter with the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma initially began in a friendly manner. However, after Cortés established himself in the city and took Moctezuma hostage, discontent and resistance arose among the Aztec people and other indigenous groups. Subsequently, conflicts erupted between the Spanish and the Aztecs.

A significant turning point in history known as the "Noche Triste" (Spanish for "Sad Night") occurred when Spanish forces suffered heavy losses as they fled from Tenochtitlán. Nevertheless, Cortés and his army eventually regrouped and initiated a siege of Tenochtitlán in 1521. This siege, supported by indigenous allies, led to the Spani