History of Mexico City

Early History

Mexico City was already a thriving hub centuries before the Aztecs ever arrived.  Then called the Valley of Mexico, the area had no natural outlet for water, and this led to the formation of several lakes.  This, in turn, made the land exceptionally fertile, thus, attracting settlers from across region. 

In 1325, the Aztecs arrived and established their capital Mexico-Tenochtitlan, near present day Mexico City.  According to legend, the Aztec god Huitzilopochtlile told the wandering Aztec tribes to build their capital at the spot where they found an eagle devouring a serpent, perched on a cactus growing out of a rock.  For two hundred years, the Aztec tribes wandered in search of the fulfillment of this prophecy, and when they finally did find the eagle with the serpent firmly in its beak, they knew they had come home. The eagle and snake feature on the emblem of the Mexican flag today.  Tenochtitlan was inexplicably abandoned in 700 AD, and after that, many tribes moved in and out of the city until the arrival of the Spanish. 

Spanish Rule

The Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes arrived in 1519, and by 1521, had conquered all of Tenochtitlan.  The city became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Nueva Espana, and this period saw the construction of several new buildings, including the Basilica of Guadalupe. 

Mexican War of Independence

Taking advantage of Spain’s weakened position following an occupation by France, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla declared the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.  In 1821, the newly independent country’s constitution confirmed Mexico City as the capital.  

Several decades of strife followed as many factions fought to control Mexico City. In 1847, American troops invaded Mexico City during the Mexican-American War, and as a result of this conflict, large provinces, including what are now California, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada were ceded to the US.   

Through all this conflict and turmoil, the city continued to maintain its rapid pace of growth. The reign of the dictator Porfiro Diaz, although marked by cruelty and the concentration of land in the hands of a few, did a lot to boost infrastructure in the city, thereby promoting foreign investment.  The development of the city, however, couldn't stifle popular resentment against Diaz’s dictatorial regime, and the Mexican Revolution broke out in 1910.  Mexico City became the scene of ferocious battles, and villagers escaping the effects of conflict sought refuge in the capital. 

The city continued on its path to modernization, however, and prosperity continued even after the Second World War.  

Today, Mexico City is one of the foremost medical tourism destinations in the region.  Its cutting edge medical and cosmetic surgery facilities, combined with the city’s many natural tourism attractions, suggest that Mexico City's best days are ahead.