What happened when Cortes and his soldiers first arrived in Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan
When Cortes and his soldiers first arrived in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, they were initially welcomed by the Aztec ruler, Montezuma II. The Aztecs believed that Cortes and his men might be representatives of the god Quetzalcoatl, who was believed to return from the east.
However, soon after their arrival, tensions started to rise. The Spanish soldiers began exploring the city and showed interest in the precious treasures the Aztecs had, such as gold. Cortes also tried to convert the Aztecs to Christianity, which further alienated them.
As Cortes and his men stayed longer in the city, they were seen as a threat to Aztec dominance and their resources. In May 1520, Cortes left Tenochtitlán to confront another Spanish expedition that was arriving to challenge his authority. During his absence, a skirmish broke out in Tenochtitlán, known as the "Noche Triste" (Sad Night), where the Spanish were forced to retreat and suffered heavy casualties.
Cortes and his forces eventually returned to the city, forming alliances with other indigenous groups that were enemies of the Aztecs. Over time, they besieged Tenochtitlán, leading to its fall in 1521. The fall of Tenochtitlán marked the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.