Nahua peoples migrated to central Mexico from the north, specifically the present-day states of Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, and Guanajuato. They were descended from Chichimec peoples.

The Mexica people arrived in the Basin of Mexico, where most of the good agricultural land had already been claimed by other groups.

The Mexica founded their city, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco, interpreting an eagle perched on a nopal cactus as a divine sign.

Acamapichtli was enthroned as the first tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, marking a significant step in the Mexica's rise to power.

The Tepanec king Tezozomoc died, triggering a succession crisis and civil war. This event created an opportunity for the Mexica to challenge Azcapotzalco's dominance.

Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Huexotzinco waged war against Azcapotzalco.

Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan formed the Triple Alliance after their victory against Azcapotzalco, leading to the carving up of Tepanec lands and cooperation in future conquests.

Moctezuma I succeeded Itzcoatl as the Mexica huetlatoani and instigated more reforms to maintain control over conquered cities.

A major four-year drought struck the Basin of Mexico, briefly halting the expansion of the Aztec Empire.

The Purépecha invaded the Toluca Valley, claiming lands previously conquered by Motecuzoma and Itzcoatl.

Moctezuma I died and was succeeded by his son Axayacatl.

Axayacatl re-conquered the Toluca Valley region and successfully defended it from Purépecha's attempts to take it back.

Nezahualcoyotl died, and his son Nezahualpilli was enthroned as the new huetlatoani of Texcoco.

Axayacatl launched a major invasion of the Purépecha Empire with 32,000 Aztec soldiers but was defeated.

Axayacatl died and was replaced by his brother Tizoc.

Tizoc was succeeded by his brother Ahuitzotl.

Ahuitzotl was succeeded by his nephew Moctezuma II.

Aztec armies commanded by the Tlaxcalan general Tlahuicole invaded the Purépecha Empire once again but failed to take any territory.

Hernán Cortés landed in Yucatán with approximately 630 men.

A second, larger Spanish expedition arrived under the command of Pánfilo de Narváez with the goal of arresting Cortés for treason.

Cortés kept Cuauhtémoc prisoner and tortured him for a period of several years before finally executing him.