In 1519, the Spanish, led by Hernan Cortes, invaded Mexico and colonized the country. Cortes made a series of deals with ethnic groups intended to foster disunity and convince them that he would help them overthrow the ruling Aztecs.

Smallpox ravaged the Mexicans in the 1520s, killing millions. After defeating the Aztecs, the territory became part of the Spanish Empire under the name New Spain. Mexico City was systematically rebuilt by Cort矇s following the Siege of Tenochtitlan in 1521. Much of the identity, traditions and architecture of Mexico were created during the colonial period.