the region of totonacapan was subject to aztec military incursions from the mid-15th century until the spanish arrival. despite the establishment of aztec fortifications throughout the region, rebellion was endemic. major totonac centers were papantla, with an estimated population of 60,000 in 1519, xalapa (around 120,000), and cempoala (around 80,000). cempoala was the first indigenous city state visited by hernán cortés in his march to the aztec capital of tenochtitlán. the totonacs of cempoala joined forces with cortés, and along with the tlaxcalan indians, contributed significantly to the spanish conquest. totonacapan became incorporated into the spanish regime with comparatively little violence, but the region was ravaged by epidemic diseases during the 16th century. today, approximately 90,000 totonac speakers reside in the region.