Introduction: THE SPANISH CONQUEST of the Americas is an interesting story of exploration, wealth, greed, devastation and death. The Aztec civilization, which lived in what we now know as Central and South America, began to be threatened by European explorers during the late 15th century. The Aztec civilization was one of the most spectacular in the world and at its center was the masterpiece of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. However, the prosperity and wonder of the Aztecs ended with the arrival of Hernan Cortés and his Spanish conquerors. The unjustified barbaric actions of Hernan Cortés caused the total demise of one of the most diverse, powerful, creative, and advanced civilizations in all of history. Who were the Aztecs? The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican people who lived in what is now Mexico City and surrounding territory starting in the 14th century. The Aztec empire covered a huge area of ​​approximately 220,000 square kilometers and at its largest included more than 15 million people. (See Appendix By 1500 AD, the population of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was estimated to be over 250,000 (at the same time, the population of London was only 50,000 and that of Paris was 200,000.) The Aztecs were well known for there was creativity, agriculture, art, literature, beliefs and vision of human sacrifice. Where did the Aztecs come from? Where was Tenochtitlan? The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on 2 smaller islands in the middle of Lake Tetzcoco in 1325 AD . What was Tenochtitlan? The Aztecs used reclaimed land and canal systems to join the two islands. It was a remarkable engineering achievement. Tenochtitlan grew rapidly as the empire became... the surprise was a very large ship from Spain father containing more weapons, supplies and horses The third surprise was a new and unexpected weapon that the Spanish had unknowingly brought smallpox (a deadly and highly contagious disease) to Mexico. The disease wiped out 80% of the Aztec population. In the spring of 1521, Cortes and his replenished army returned to the Valley of Mexico. He began to win over allies one after another around the lake to join his army for the final attack on Tenochtitlan. The conquistadors used boats to cut off supplies to the capital and then made daily raids on the city. Using horses, cannons, crossbows, dogs, guns and allied tribes to fight their way to the center of the city and within 80 days Cortés' war strategies crippled the Aztecs. By August 13, 1521 he captured the new King and the mission was accomplished.