Colonial Mexico refers to the period from 1521 to 1821 when Mexico was part of the Spanish Empire. This era began after the fall of the Aztec Empire and saw the establishment of Spanish rule, which introduced European culture, religion, and governance. The Spanish built cities, such as Mexico City, and converted many indigenous people to Catholicism. During this time, the economy was largely based on agriculture and mining, particularly silver extraction. The Spanish implemented the encomienda system, which allowed colonists to exploit indigenous labor. Colonial Mexico was marked by a blend of Spanish and indigenous traditions, shaping the region's cultural identity.