city state · Mesoamerica and the Caribbean
Tepanec Empire
Origins
The Tepanecs settled on the western shore of Lake Texcoco, with their capital at Azcapotzalco, in the 13th century. Under Tezozomoc, who ruled from about 1367 to 1426, they expanded across the Valley of Mexico, using the Mexica of Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco as tributary allies and mercenaries.
Rule and society
The Tepanec realm was a tributary state: subject altepetl kept their rulers but owed tribute and military service. Tezozomoc conquered Culhuacan, Xaltocan and in 1418 Texcoco, and placed relatives on several thrones, including Tlatelolco. Azcapotzalco was a large city and an important slave market.
Decline and legacy
After Tezozomoc's death, his son Maxtla seized power and turned on the Mexica. Tenochtitlan under Itzcoatl, allied with Nezahualcoyotl of Texcoco and Tlacopan, destroyed Azcapotzalco in 1428. The victors formed the Triple Alliance of the Aztec Empire.
Lineage
On the connections map
Open the full map →Connections (4)
- Tlacopan was part of Tepanec Empire1367 CE – 1428 CE
- Tlatelolco paid tribute to Tepanec Empire1375 CE – 1428 CE
- Culhuacan paid tribute to Tepanec Empire1377 CE – 1428 CE
- Texcoco was conquered by Tepanec Empire1418 CE – 1428 CE
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Cite this page
- APA
- The Epoch Institute. (2026). Tepanec Empire. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/tepanec-empire
- MLA
- “Tepanec Empire.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/tepanec-empire. Accessed .
- Chicago
- The Epoch Institute. “Tepanec Empire.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/tepanec-empire.
- Harvard
- The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Tepanec Empire’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/tepanec-empire (Accessed: ).
Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻