Final answer:
Between 1520 and 1620, the indigenous population of central Mexico experienced a significant decline due to the Spanish conquest and the introduction of diseases by the Europeans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indigenous Population of Central Mexico from 1520 until 1620
The indigenous population of central Mexico experienced a significant decline between 1520 and 1620 due to various factors.
1. Spanish Conquest: The arrival of the Spanish in Mexico led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire and resulted in the loss of many indigenous lives. The conquerors, under the leadership of Hernán Cortés, defeated the Aztecs and caused the deaths of Aztec leaders and ruling classes.
2. Disease: The indigenous population also suffered greatly from the introduction of diseases by the Europeans. Diseases like smallpox, which the indigenous people had no immunity to, spread rapidly and caused widespread death and devastation.
As a result of these factors, the indigenous population of central Mexico dramatically declined from an estimated 15-25 million in 1520 to only about 2.5 million by 1620.