The Aztec empire was defeated by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes in 1521. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Spanish used superior weaponry, technology, and alliances with rival indigenous groups to defeat the Aztecs. The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was besieged and ultimately captured, leading to the downfall of the Aztec civilization. The Spanish conquest resulted in the destruction of much of Aztec culture and society, and the imposition of Spanish colonial rule over the region.
