In the early 1400s.
Itzcoati's greatest military feat came early in his reign: the toppling of the powerful
Tepanec empire centered at Azcapotzalco. The Tepanecs were already in a state of
turmoil toward the end of Chimalpopoca's rule, with the death of Tezozomoc and the
ensuing battle of succession by his sons. Itzcoatl aggressively allied himself with the
struggling ruler-in-exile of the Acolhua, Nezahualcoyotl, and together they vanquished
the Tepanec forces. But becoming the new lords of the valley was a feat yet to be
established, and Itzcoatl spent the remainder of his days (until his death in 1440)
conquering dissident towns and consolidating Mexica power in and around the Valley of
Mexico.
From Frances F. Berdan and Patricia Rieff Anawalt, The Codex Mendoza. Copyright 1992 by The Regents of the
University of California
Based on this excerpt, what can you conclude about Mexico's Tepanec empire in the early
1400s?
The Tepanec empire was falling apart.
The Tepanec empire allied itself with the ruler of Acolhua.
The Tepanec empire merged with Itzcoatl's forces.