Explore Mexico City's history, from the conquistadores to the diverse metropolitans of the 21st century

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Media Editor: Lauren Sims

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Media Editor: Lauren Sims

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Media Editor: Lee Goldstein

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The eruption of Paricutín lasted for nine years and produced one of the world's youngest volcanoes. Ash and lava began spewing from an open field in 1943 in Michoacán state, Mexico, and buried nearby settlements and farmland and displaced local people. The result was a new cinder cone volcano. This video, produced in the 1970s, includes footage taken during the eruption.

Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Enrique Gomez Tamez/Dreamstime.com

Learn more about the Mexico City earthquake of 1985 and the Torre Mayor office building (completed 2003), which was built to withstand earthquakes, in this 2009 video.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day—and it actually impacted the American Civil War.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) taking flight and capturing a rabbit.