agriculture and minerals continued to attract the interest of more powerful neighbors. In the 15th century, both the Aztec and P�urh�pecha empires had strong influence parts of the state, especially in the south, but would never incorporate the area completely into either empire. The Aztec�s interest in the area was mostly to use it as a bulwark against marauding northern Chichimeca tribes, and it never became a tributary state. During this time, as well, a number of new peoples entered the state, most likely from the north, primarily the Pames and the Chichimeca Jonaz. The first group practiced agriculture in the valleys and the latter in the mountain areas.
When the Spanish conquered the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century, the largest indigenous group in the state was the Otomi, many of whom were living more or less under P�urh�pecha rule. This population would increase with Otomi refugees from Aztec lands fleeing the Spanish. Another significant group was the Chichimecas. With the fall of Tenochtitl�n, then the P�urh�pecha Empire, the Spanish gained some control over the southern portion of the state. However, the area was still very independent, filled with peoples who lived in small isolated villages or nomadically. There were no major cities, nor large societies here or north.
The conquest and colonization of Quer�taro began with the Spanish settlements at San Juan del R�o, Quer�taro and Huimilpan between 1529 and 1531. Conquistador Her�n P�rez de Bocanegra joined forces with a local Otomi lord from Jilotepec named Con�n, also known as Fernando de Tapia, to enter Otomi areas in what is now the city of Quer�taro. There would be only one major battle as part of the conquest in 1531. The Spanish and their Indian allies were battling the local Otomi and Chichimecas at a hill now known as Sangremal, which was then called Ynlotepeque, and considered sacred in pre-Hispanic times. Chronicles of this event, such as those written by Friar Isidro F�lix
