Philnancy is correct in that, for the Aztecs, the arrival of Cortez fulfilled the ancient prophecy of the return of a light-skinned, bearded man, coming in from the east.. . However, even though some estimates of as much as 90% of the population of Tenochtitlan (the Aztec capital - where Mexico City is today) died over the first years following the conquest, the civilization as a whole did not die out and their ancestors are still here in Mexico today.. . This topic is complicated, but really interesting when you take a good look at it (even though if you are doing it for homework, it may seem a little dull at first). Use your Yahoo search engine to find out more details. Type in something like "Fall of the Aztec Empire".. . If you are in a REALLY studious mood, look up "tzompantli" - - see what it was, and what Cortez' reaction to it was. You will be shocked!! Happy hunting!