This Day In History
JUNE 30
1520: Spanish retreat from Aztec capital
On this day in 1520, Spanish forces under Hernán Cortés battled their way out of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire, costing the lives of hundreds of soldiers. Cortés had conquered the Aztecs in 1519 when the conquistadors marched into Tenochtitlan unopposed. They were greeted with honor. However, the Aztecs rebelled against Cortés in 1520, and on June 30, Cortés fled the capital. He returned the next year and laid siege to the city. This victory marked the fall of the Aztec empire.
1520: Spanish retreat from Aztec capital
On this day in 1520, Spanish forces under Hernán Cortés battled their way out of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire, costing the lives of hundreds of soldiers. Cortés had conquered the Aztecs in 1519 when the conquistadors marched into Tenochtitlan unopposed. They were greeted with honor. However, the Aztecs rebelled against Cortés in 1520, and on June 30, Cortés fled the capital. He returned the next year and laid siege to the city. This victory marked the fall of the Aztec empire.