Tepanecan

Tepanecan refers to the indigenous people who inhabited the Valley of Mexico prior to the Aztec expansion. They were a significant cultural and political force in the region, centered in the city of Azcapotzalco. The Tepanecs were known for their agricultural prowess, particularly their advanced chinampa farming techniques, and their military strength. Their society was organized into city-states, with Azcapotzalco eventually becoming the dominant power among them.

The Tepanecs exerted considerable influence over neighboring groups, including the early Mexica (Aztecs). They were instrumental in the rise of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, initially as a tributary state. However, this relationship soured, leading to the Tepanec War in the early 15th century. This conflict culminated in the defeat of the Tepanecs by a coalition led by Tenochtitlan and Texcoco.

Following their defeat, the Tepanec polity was dismantled, and their territories were absorbed into the expanding Aztec Empire. Despite their political downfall, Tepanec culture and language left a lasting mark on the region. Many Tepanecs were assimilated into Aztec society, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the Valley of Mexico. Their history is primarily known through Aztec codices and archaeological findings at sites like Azcapotzalco.