The capital of the Aztec Empire was Tenochtitlán. Founded in the 14th century, this magnificent city was situated on an island in Lake Texcoco, in what is now Mexico City. Tenochtitlán exemplified advanced urban planning and architecture, featuring impressive temples, palaces, and a complex system of canals and causeways for transportation and trade. The city served as the political, religious, and economic center of the Aztec civilization, reflecting its power and riches until its conquest by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, which marked a significant turning point in the history of Mesoamerica.