Tetzcoco

Tetzcoco was the capital of the Acolhua on the eastern shore of the lake that bears its name. Together with Tenochtitlan and Tlacopan, it formed the Triple Alliance that ruled much of central Mexico. Its celebrated ruler Nezahualcoyotl was remembered for poetry as well as government, and the city’s palaces and gardens reflected the wealth and prestige of its ruling house.

In 1428 Nezahualcoyotl joined the Mexica in defeating the Tepanec power of Azcapotzalco. Tetzcoco emerged as one of the principal partners in the new alliance. A succession dispute after the death of Nezahualpilli later divided the royal family. When Cortés arrived, Ixtlilxochitl allied himself with the Spaniards against Tenochtitlan. In 1521 Tetzcoco became their base, and brigantines were assembled there for the assault on the island capital. The city remained an important Indigenous centre under Spanish rule.

The later city of Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl lies nearby.