What did Hernan Cortes and his forces do to Tenochtitlan after conquering the Aztec empire?

The
conquistador Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztecs in 1521. After the Spanish forces and their
allies savagely pillaged the remnants of the city, Cortes had Tenochtitlan completely leveled to
the ground. In its place he built Mexico City, the modern capital of Mexico. Mexico City would
become the economic, cultural, and political capital of Spain's empire in the New
World.

Cortes thoroughly developed the former Aztec ceremonial and political
center as the main square of the city. It was given the name Plaza Mayor. It is commonly called
Z³calo. The location became the center of political activity and buildings were built to house
the seats of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The location was also the center of religious
activity as buildings were constructed for the Archbishop of Mexico. So lavish were the
buildings that Mexico City became known as the "City of
Palaces."

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