Cortés, completing his conquest of the Aztec…

Cortés, completing his conquest of the Aztec empire with the reduction of Tenochtitlán, distributes the spoils, awarding himself huge landholdings in various parts of Mexico.

Subsequent promises of allegiance by subordinate Aztec rulers make Cortés the master of Mexico.

King Charles appoints Cortés as governor, captain general and chief justice of the newly conquered territory, dubbed "New Spain of the Ocean Sea".

But also, much to the dismay of Cortés, four royal officials are appointed at the same time to assist him in his governing—in effect, submitting him to close observation and administration.

Cortés initiates the construction of Mexico City, destroying Aztec temples and buildings and then rebuilding on the Aztec ruins what will soon become the most important European city in the Americas.

Much of the identity, traditions and architecture of Mexico will develop during the ensuing three hundred-year colonial period.

Contrary to a widespread misconception, Spain does not conquer all of the Aztec Empire when Cortes take Tenochtitlan.

It will require another two centuries to complete the conquest: rebellions break out within the old empire and wars continue with other native peoples.