The Aztecs

The AztecsThe Aztecs

The Chichimec PeriodThe Chichimec Period

Cultural InnovationsCultural Innovations

Social/Political StructureSocial/Political Structure


The Aztec originated from somewhere in north The Aztec originated from somewhere in north or northwest Mexico. or northwest Mexico. At that time the Aztecs (who referred to At that time the Aztecs (who referred to themselves as the Mexica or Tenochca) were a themselves as the Mexica or Tenochca) were a small, nomadic, Nahuatl-speaking aggregation small, nomadic, Nahuatl-speaking aggregation of tribal peoples living on the margins of of tribal peoples living on the margins of civilized Mesoamerica.civilized Mesoamerica.Sometime in the 12th century they embarked Sometime in the 12th century they embarked on a period of wandering and in the 13th on a period of wandering and in the 13th century settled in the central basin of México.century settled in the central basin of México.

The Aztecs finally found refuge on small The Aztecs finally found refuge on small islands in Lake Texcoco where, in 1325, islands in Lake Texcoco where, in 1325, they founded the town of TENOCHTITLAN they founded the town of TENOCHTITLAN (modern-day Mexico City). (modern-day Mexico City). Other Chichimecs followed who were Other Chichimecs followed who were more civilized but stole women and more civilized but stole women and practiced sacrifice.practiced sacrifice.– brought knowledge of the Maya calender brought knowledge of the Maya calender

system, cultivated crops with irrigation, system, cultivated crops with irrigation, constructed with stone.constructed with stone.


Aztec Origin MythAztec Origin Myth

Little is known of the earliest Aztecs, they did not keep Little is known of the earliest Aztecs, they did not keep a written record. Their history was passed on by word a written record. Their history was passed on by word of mouth from one generation to the next. Legend has of mouth from one generation to the next. Legend has it that they came from an Island called Aztlan, meaning it that they came from an Island called Aztlan, meaning White PlaceWhite Place - - Place of HeronsPlace of Herons. .

There is one codex, the There is one codex, the Tira de la Peregrinacion,Tira de la Peregrinacion, commonly called the commonly called the Migration Scrolls.Migration Scrolls. The scrolls The scrolls have the Aztecs leaving Aztlan, which was described have the Aztecs leaving Aztlan, which was described as an island in a lake with Chicomoztoc depicted as as an island in a lake with Chicomoztoc depicted as seven temples in the center of the island. seven temples in the center of the island.

The Aztecs believed Huitzilopochtli their war god was their The Aztecs believed Huitzilopochtli their war god was their protector, now had them search for their protector, now had them search for their promised land.promised land. The Aztecs straggled into the Valley of Mexico, led by their chieftain The Aztecs straggled into the Valley of Mexico, led by their chieftain Tenoch. They were a poor, ragged people who survived on vermin, Tenoch. They were a poor, ragged people who survived on vermin, snakes, and stolen food. They were hated and rejected by all the snakes, and stolen food. They were hated and rejected by all the surrounding inhabitants of the valley, for their barbarous and surrounding inhabitants of the valley, for their barbarous and uncultured habits. uncultured habits. Huitzilopochtli told Tenoch to lead his people to a place of refuge on Huitzilopochtli told Tenoch to lead his people to a place of refuge on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. When they reached their a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. When they reached their destination, they were to look for an eagle perched on a cactus, destination, they were to look for an eagle perched on a cactus, growing from a rock or cave surrounded by water. At that location, growing from a rock or cave surrounded by water. At that location, they were to build their city and honor Huitzilopochtli with human they were to build their city and honor Huitzilopochtli with human sacrifices. The city they built was called Tenochtitlán, the city of sacrifices. The city they built was called Tenochtitlán, the city of Tenoch. Tenoch.

Aztec Origin MythAztec Origin Myth

What is the meaning of the word What is the meaning of the word Aztlan?Aztlan?

Aztlan is the mythical place of origin of the Aztec peoples. Aztlan is the mythical place of origin of the Aztec peoples. In their language (Nahuatl), the roots of Aztlan are the two words: In their language (Nahuatl), the roots of Aztlan are the two words: aztatl tlan(tli) meaning "heron" and "place of," respectively. 'Tlantli' aztatl tlan(tli) meaning "heron" and "place of," respectively. 'Tlantli' proper means tooth, and as a characteristic of a good tooth is that it proper means tooth, and as a characteristic of a good tooth is that it is firmly rooted in place, and does not move, the prefix of this word is firmly rooted in place, and does not move, the prefix of this word is commonly used in Nahuatl to denote settlements, or place is commonly used in Nahuatl to denote settlements, or place names, e.g. Mazatlan (place of deer), Papalotlan (place of names, e.g. Mazatlan (place of deer), Papalotlan (place of butterflies) or Tepoztlan (place of metal). butterflies) or Tepoztlan (place of metal). The Nahuatl language is often said to include three levels of The Nahuatl language is often said to include three levels of meaning for its words or expressions: literal, syncretic and meaning for its words or expressions: literal, syncretic and connotative. The connotative meaning of Aztlan, due to the connotative. The connotative meaning of Aztlan, due to the plumage of herons, is "Place of Whiteness." The mythical plumage of herons, is "Place of Whiteness." The mythical descriptions of Aztlan would have it to be an island. You would descriptions of Aztlan would have it to be an island. You would replace -tlan with -tecatl to identify a resident or person from the replace -tlan with -tecatl to identify a resident or person from the given place. So, for the examples above, we have that people from given place. So, for the examples above, we have that people from Mazatlan would be Mazatecatl, someone from Tepoztlan a Mazatlan would be Mazatecatl, someone from Tepoztlan a Tepoztecatl, and someone from Aztlan an Aztecatl.Tepoztecatl, and someone from Aztlan an Aztecatl.

Mixeca/AztecMixeca/AztecTechnically squatted in the area of Tenochtitlan and Technically squatted in the area of Tenochtitlan and were known as the Mixeca but today Aztecs is more were known as the Mixeca but today Aztecs is more common.common. The Aztecs remain the most extensively documented The Aztecs remain the most extensively documented of all Amerindian civilizations at the time of European of all Amerindian civilizations at the time of European contact in the 16th century. contact in the 16th century. Spanish friars, soldiers, and historians and scholars Spanish friars, soldiers, and historians and scholars of Indian or mixed descent left invaluable records of of Indian or mixed descent left invaluable records of all aspects of life. These ethnohistoric sources, linked all aspects of life. These ethnohistoric sources, linked to modern archaeological inquiries and studies of to modern archaeological inquiries and studies of ethnologists, linguists, historians, and art historians, ethnologists, linguists, historians, and art historians, portray the formation and flourishing of a complex portray the formation and flourishing of a complex imperial state. imperial state.

Basin of MexicoBasin of Mexico

Chain of interconnected lakes, 3-6, but Chain of interconnected lakes, 3-6, but the Aztecs talked about three-Chalco, the Aztecs talked about three-Chalco, Texcoco, and Xaltocan.Texcoco, and Xaltocan.– Lake TexcocoLake Texcoco

deepest and water flowed from it to other lakesdeepest and water flowed from it to other lakes

the Basin is about 3,000 sq miles and about the Basin is about 3,000 sq miles and about 15% of that is covered by water.15% of that is covered by water.

Population estimates at around Population estimates at around A.D.1519 are between 1 to 1.2 million.A.D.1519 are between 1 to 1.2 million.

Aztec EmpireAztec Empire

TenochtitlanTenochtitlan

How were they all fed?How were they all fed?

Used the Chinampas (floating gardens) for Used the Chinampas (floating gardens) for agriculture.agriculture.– 25,000 acres of chinampas at the time of contact.25,000 acres of chinampas at the time of contact.– gardens never actually floated, but were created gardens never actually floated, but were created

by making use of the vegetaion in the swamps. by making use of the vegetaion in the swamps. – Floating water plants were used to build up Floating water plants were used to build up

gardens and then were dragged onto shore for gardens and then were dragged onto shore for chinampas.chinampas.

– They became anchored to the native cypress.They became anchored to the native cypress.– Lake mud was piled on and canals were built.Lake mud was piled on and canals were built.

ChinampasChinampas

However, although chinampas were very However, although chinampas were very productive, the number of people living in productive, the number of people living in the area at the time of contact could not the area at the time of contact could not keep up with subsistence and surplus food keep up with subsistence and surplus food demands.demands.

These marsh plots also brought in birds These marsh plots also brought in birds and fish that could be gathered while they and fish that could be gathered while they were working.were working.

ChinampasChinampas

Ancient Aztecs tending to chinampas

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-society.htm

Cultural Innovations:Cultural Innovations:Trade, Economics, Market SystemTrade, Economics, Market System

Part of inter-related regions which Part of inter-related regions which consisted of Morelos to the south, Puebla consisted of Morelos to the south, Puebla to the east, Mezquital to the north, and to the east, Mezquital to the north, and Toluca to the west.Toluca to the west.– although many crops the same, some areas although many crops the same, some areas

had their specialty crops.had their specialty crops.– tropical fruits, cotton, cacao from Morelos, tropical fruits, cotton, cacao from Morelos,

beans from Puebla.beans from Puebla.– flowers were also a big part of the economy flowers were also a big part of the economy

because one of the great pleasures was of because one of the great pleasures was of the smelling of flowers.the smelling of flowers.

Aztec Market (Tlateloco)Aztec Market (Tlateloco)

Market days were held once each five days, four Market days were held once each five days, four times each month. Sometimes daily in larger times each month. Sometimes daily in larger towns.towns.– reflected community craft specializations as well as reflected community craft specializations as well as

imported goods.imported goods.– also slaves were traded, and dogs for food (400 on a also slaves were traded, and dogs for food (400 on a

slow day).slow day).

Bernal Diaz de Castillo says that he didn’t even Bernal Diaz de Castillo says that he didn’t even have time to list how many things were offered have time to list how many things were offered one day at the market of Tlateloco.one day at the market of Tlateloco.– commodities and goods exchanged by barter.commodities and goods exchanged by barter.


WritingWriting– Nahuatl language spoken at conquest, living Nahuatl language spoken at conquest, living

language today.language today.– Many codices and glyphs to describe lifeways of Many codices and glyphs to describe lifeways of

Aztecs, as well as Spanish accounts.Aztecs, as well as Spanish accounts.

Several Significant Codices:Several Significant Codices:– Codex Borbonicus Codex Borbonicus – Florentine Codex – Codex Mendoza

Codex Borbonicus Codex Borbonicus

A scene from the Codex Borbonicus, which shows the gods Tlachitonátiuh and Xolotl, while on the right are the

8 to 13 days of the sixteenth series of the ritual series.

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztecs4.htm

Florentine CodexFlorentine Codex

Human sacrifice http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/florentine-codex.htm

Codex MendozaCodex Mendoza

Tribute

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/codex-mendoza.htm


ArtArt– Stone carving to communicate ideas.Stone carving to communicate ideas.– Free-standing figures of Aztec deities.Free-standing figures of Aztec deities.– Aztec Calender stone.Aztec Calender stone.– Atlantean figures and chocmoolsAtlantean figures and chocmools

MetallurgyMetallurgy– acquired from Maya.acquired from Maya.– Mostly gold, silver.Mostly gold, silver.

ArtArt

http://www.mesoweb.com/features/jpl/99.html

Obsidian vessel carved Obsidian vessel carved in the shape of a in the shape of a monkey monkey

Polychrome terracota plaque with molded and apliquéd sculpture of a human face

Stone box with representations of corn cobs

JewelryJewelry

Necklaces found in the Great Temple at Tenochtitlan

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-jewelry.htm

MasksMasks

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-masks.htm

Social StructureSocial Structure

Basic unit of social organizationBasic unit of social organization– calpulli (clan) calpulli (clan) – not all lineages within the clan were equal.not all lineages within the clan were equal.

Membership by birth.Membership by birth.– families traced their descent through fathers, families traced their descent through fathers,

which is a lineage, and these lineages make which is a lineage, and these lineages make up a calpulli.up a calpulli.

– marry within the calpulli.marry within the calpulli.– one lineage provides leader of that calpule.one lineage provides leader of that calpule.

Four principle social categories:Four principle social categories:

Pipiltin-Pipiltin-– ruler of the city state and his relatives.ruler of the city state and his relatives.– only ones to own their own landonly ones to own their own land

Macehualtin-commoner clan.Macehualtin-commoner clan.– serfs who worked others land.serfs who worked others land.

Pochtea-merchant clan. Pochtea-merchant clan. – owned communal land.owned communal land.

Tlacotin-slaves.Tlacotin-slaves.– no land, no rights.no land, no rights.– reversible status.reversible status.

Political OrganizationPolitical Organization

Divine King or ruler of AztecDivine King or ruler of AztecEach city (other than Tenochtitlan) ruled by a petty-Each city (other than Tenochtitlan) ruled by a petty-king selected from the pipiltin.king selected from the pipiltin.Dual leadership-military and religiousDual leadership-military and religious– supreme leader chosen from special lineage, with brother supreme leader chosen from special lineage, with brother

succeeding brother.succeeding brother.– court which ruled over military, justice, treasury, and court which ruled over military, justice, treasury, and

commerce.commerce.

Moctezuma II http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/florentine-codex.htm

Judicial branchJudicial branch

Both pipitlin and commoners chosen.Both pipitlin and commoners chosen.

higher and lower courts.higher and lower courts.– commoners went to lower court (tecalli).commoners went to lower court (tecalli).– higher court for upper class (tlacxitlan).higher court for upper class (tlacxitlan).

Prisoners kept in wooden cages, sentencing Prisoners kept in wooden cages, sentencing could be death, mutilation or slavery.could be death, mutilation or slavery.

* Even elite tried-the sister of Motecuhzoma II * Even elite tried-the sister of Motecuhzoma II was tried by her husband for extramarital affairs was tried by her husband for extramarital affairs and she and her lovers were put to death.and she and her lovers were put to death.

Rulers: Post 14Rulers: Post 14thth C C1Acamapichtli A.D.1376-13911Acamapichtli A.D.1376-1391-married Ilancueil (“Toltec Princess”)-married Ilancueil (“Toltec Princess”)

2Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415 2Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415

3Chimalpopocoa 1415-14263Chimalpopocoa 1415-1426 4Itzcoatl 1426-1440 4Itzcoatl 1426-1440

5Moctezuma I 1440-14695Moctezuma I 1440-1469

Atotozli = TezozomocAtotozli = Tezozomoc

6Axayacatl 1469-1481 7Tizoc 1481-1486 8Ahuizotl 1486-6Axayacatl 1469-1481 7Tizoc 1481-1486 8Ahuizotl 1486-15021502

10Cuitlahuac152010Cuitlahuac1520 9Moctezuma II 1502-1520 9Moctezuma II 1502-1520

11Cuauhtemoc 1520-152511Cuauhtemoc 1520-1525

Acamapichtli 1372-1391Acamapichtli 1372-1391

Aztec dynasty emerges ca. 1371 Aztec dynasty emerges ca. 1371 name means "handful of reeds" name means "handful of reeds" was son of Mexica noble and Culhua woman was son of Mexica noble and Culhua woman dynasty from which he came had links to dynasty from which he came had links to Acolhua provided link to Toltec past: wife was of Acolhua provided link to Toltec past: wife was of Culhua nobility Culhua nobility conquests of Xochimilco and Cuernavaca conquests of Xochimilco and Cuernavaca beginning of conflict with Chalco beginning of conflict with Chalco building up city and constructing houses, building up city and constructing houses, chinampas, and canals chinampas, and canals died ca. 1391, after reign of ca. 19 yearsdied ca. 1391, after reign of ca. 19 years

Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415

"Humming Bird's Feather" "Humming Bird's Feather" – first wife was from Tacuba first wife was from Tacuba – second wife was a Tepanec princess, granddaughter second wife was a Tepanec princess, granddaughter

of Tezozomoc from Azcapotzalco of Tezozomoc from Azcapotzalco resulted in favorable treatment from Tezozomoc resulted in favorable treatment from Tezozomoc

after birth of son Chimalpopoca, delegation came from after birth of son Chimalpopoca, delegation came from Azcapotzalco Azcapotzalco

– third wife a: mother of Tlacaelel third wife a: mother of Tlacaelel – fourth wife was from Cuernavaca fourth wife was from Cuernavaca

mother of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina mother of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina

– died ca. 1415 died ca. 1415

Chimalpopoca 1415-1426Chimalpopoca 1415-1426

"Smoking Shield" "Smoking Shield" – half Tepanec half Tepanec – oversaw war with Texcoco oversaw war with Texcoco – in Texcoco, authority was challenged by in Texcoco, authority was challenged by

IxtlilxochitlIxtlilxochitl– asserted right to be called "Lord of the asserted right to be called "Lord of the

Chichimecs"Chichimecs"

Itzcoatl 1426-1440Itzcoatl 1426-1440

Chimalpopoca succeeded by uncle Itzcoatl (Obsidian Chimalpopoca succeeded by uncle Itzcoatl (Obsidian Serpent) Serpent) Itzcoatl acceded in 1426 at the age of 46 Itzcoatl acceded in 1426 at the age of 46 – may have had Chimalpopoca killed may have had Chimalpopoca killed – chief advisor was nephew Tlacaelel, son of Huitzilihuitl chief advisor was nephew Tlacaelel, son of Huitzilihuitl – younger brother of Moctezuma I younger brother of Moctezuma I – assumed title of Cihuacoatl (Woman Snake) assumed title of Cihuacoatl (Woman Snake) – chief reformer of Aztec state chief reformer of Aztec state

destroyed pre-Aztec books and records destroyed pre-Aztec books and records promoted view of Aztecs as heirs to Toltec tradition promoted view of Aztecs as heirs to Toltec tradition reign characterized by troubles with Tepanecs reign characterized by troubles with Tepanecs latter demanded signs of submission latter demanded signs of submission war broke out between Mexica and Tepanecs upon death of Itzcoatlwar broke out between Mexica and Tepanecs upon death of Itzcoatl

Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina 1440-14681440-1468

"Heaven Shooter“"Heaven Shooter“began construction of Templo Mayor at Tenochtitlanbegan construction of Templo Mayor at Tenochtitlanfirst conquest was with region of Chalca first conquest was with region of Chalca

Empire expansion Empire expansion – campaign towards Oaxaca begun in 1458 campaign towards Oaxaca begun in 1458 – pretense was killing of merchants pretense was killing of merchants – conquered kingdom of Atonal conquered kingdom of Atonal

A catastrophic famine of 1450-1451 occurred and the practice of A catastrophic famine of 1450-1451 occurred and the practice of human sacrifice was propelled into a high gear in ever increasing human sacrifice was propelled into a high gear in ever increasing numbers. People sold themselves for a few ears of corn to keep numbers. People sold themselves for a few ears of corn to keep from starving. from starving. – drive to Gulf Coastdrive to Gulf Coast

fertile Tototac lands sought as protection against famine fertile Tototac lands sought as protection against famine Tlaxcalans neglected to come to assistance of Gulf Coast peoplesTlaxcalans neglected to come to assistance of Gulf Coast peoplescommon people denounced their rulers common people denounced their rulers Huaxtecs conquered nextHuaxtecs conquered next

AXAYACATL 1469-1481 AXAYACATL 1469-1481

Water Mask, Face of Water, Son of Moctezuma I. Water Mask, Face of Water, Son of Moctezuma I. At 19 years of age this leader was installed as the Great Speaker of At 19 years of age this leader was installed as the Great Speaker of the Aztec faith and army. He proved himself a great warrior and the Aztec faith and army. He proved himself a great warrior and military strategist and expanded the Aztec empire. military strategist and expanded the Aztec empire. His most famous military campaign was in subduing a rebellion from His most famous military campaign was in subduing a rebellion from close neighbor and sister city next to Tenochtitlan, Tlatelolco in close neighbor and sister city next to Tenochtitlan, Tlatelolco in 1473. 1473. One of the most colorful stories in Aztec history has Axayacatl in One of the most colorful stories in Aztec history has Axayacatl in hand to hand combat atop the great pyramid with the leader of hand to hand combat atop the great pyramid with the leader of Tlatelolco, Moquihuix, with the latter being thrown down the steps of Tlatelolco, Moquihuix, with the latter being thrown down the steps of the temple. Conquered Tlatelolco(*38) on trumped up phony the temple. Conquered Tlatelolco(*38) on trumped up phony charges and successfully substituted a strong military central control charges and successfully substituted a strong military central control in the region.in the region.Axayacatl lost a leg in one of his many battles. As a result of Axayacatl lost a leg in one of his many battles. As a result of Axayacatl and his concentration of cementing his power base he Axayacatl and his concentration of cementing his power base he was able to extend total dominance over the Valley of Mexico for the was able to extend total dominance over the Valley of Mexico for the Aztec Empire.Aztec Empire.

TIZOC 1481-1486TIZOC 1481-1486

““He Has Bled People, Jewell of the Sun”, was the He Has Bled People, Jewell of the Sun”, was the brother of Axayacatl. brother of Axayacatl. Tizoc's name glyph depicted a pierced leg with cactus Tizoc's name glyph depicted a pierced leg with cactus spines, indicating his great devotion to self sacrifice.spines, indicating his great devotion to self sacrifice.Was proven a bad military leader and was removed from Was proven a bad military leader and was removed from office by poison. office by poison. The empire actually began to shrink under this ruler as The empire actually began to shrink under this ruler as his lack of administration skills allowed almost constant his lack of administration skills allowed almost constant rebellion. rebellion. Was called Was called "Bloodstained Leg""Bloodstained Leg". Though his armies were . Though his armies were successful, over one hundred thousand prisoners taken, successful, over one hundred thousand prisoners taken, he was considered a coward. he was considered a coward.

AHUITZOTL 1486-1502AHUITZOTL 1486-1502““Water Dog, Otter”. Was the third son of Moctezuma I. Water Dog, Otter”. Was the third son of Moctezuma I. Said to be rough and fearless, he lived and slept with his Said to be rough and fearless, he lived and slept with his army, one of the greatest warrior kings. army, one of the greatest warrior kings. – Greatly expanded the Aztec tribute empire during his reign. Greatly expanded the Aztec tribute empire during his reign.

Conquered the valley of Oaxaca and the Pacific coast to Conquered the valley of Oaxaca and the Pacific coast to Guatemala. Guatemala.

Imposed strong bureaucratic control over the Aztec Imposed strong bureaucratic control over the Aztec empire. empire. The great temple of Tenochtitlan, dedicated in 1487 with The great temple of Tenochtitlan, dedicated in 1487 with the sacrifice of 20,000 victims occurred during his reign.the sacrifice of 20,000 victims occurred during his reign.– Construction of an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the capital was Construction of an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the capital was

begun.begun.

Great uncle to Moctezuma II.Great uncle to Moctezuma II.Ahuitzotl is reported to have died after striking his head Ahuitzotl is reported to have died after striking his head while escaping rising waters in his garden area as a result while escaping rising waters in his garden area as a result of a dike breaking. Physicians removed parts of his of a dike breaking. Physicians removed parts of his smashed skull and the king died probably foam a subdural smashed skull and the king died probably foam a subdural hematoma. hematoma.

MOCTEZUMA II 1502-1520MOCTEZUMA II 1502-1520

““Our Angry Looking God, He Who Frowned Like A Lord”Our Angry Looking God, He Who Frowned Like A Lord”Axayacatl's eldest son was the leading candidate for Axayacatl's eldest son was the leading candidate for ascending to the throne, however, he was considered ascending to the throne, however, he was considered too flamboyant and Moctezuma was chosen. too flamboyant and Moctezuma was chosen. Moctezuma assumed the throne on May 24, 1503. Moctezuma assumed the throne on May 24, 1503. The Aztec people reached their finest hour under his The Aztec people reached their finest hour under his reign. Was the son of Axayacatl (Ruler 6). reign. Was the son of Axayacatl (Ruler 6). Originally trained to be a high priest, but proved himself Originally trained to be a high priest, but proved himself valiantly on the field of battle. valiantly on the field of battle. Very much a philosopher king. During the reign of this Very much a philosopher king. During the reign of this leader the Mexica were able to sustain several major leader the Mexica were able to sustain several major military campaigns at one time which greatly added to military campaigns at one time which greatly added to the power base of the empire.the power base of the empire.Killed while a captive of Cortes. Killed while a captive of Cortes.

Moctezuma II

Moctezuma II:Moctezuma II:Feathered HeadressFeathered Headress

Moctezuma II and CortesMoctezuma II and Cortes

His priestly training, particularly in the old Toltec His priestly training, particularly in the old Toltec traditions, was his downfall as he believed the return of traditions, was his downfall as he believed the return of Quetzalcoatl to be incarnated in Cortes, it paralyzed him Quetzalcoatl to be incarnated in Cortes, it paralyzed him and his vast armies until it was too late for the Aztecs.and his vast armies until it was too late for the Aztecs.He believed it was his destiny to preside over the Aztecs He believed it was his destiny to preside over the Aztecs while a total destruction of the Mexica civilization while a total destruction of the Mexica civilization occurred.occurred.Moctezuma was considered a skilled statesman and Moctezuma was considered a skilled statesman and many references by the Conquistadors to their many references by the Conquistadors to their admiration for him. admiration for him. While a captive of Cortes he lost his stature among the While a captive of Cortes he lost his stature among the general population of Tenochtitlan and was hit in the general population of Tenochtitlan and was hit in the head by a stone thrown by his former subjects and died head by a stone thrown by his former subjects and died while a captive of Cortes while a captive of Cortes

CUITLAHUAC 1520CUITLAHUAC 1520

Brief interim ruler between Motecuhzoma Brief interim ruler between Motecuhzoma II and Cuauhtemoc. II and Cuauhtemoc.

Was the lord of Ixtapapapa. Was the lord of Ixtapapapa.

Died of the smallpox brought to Mexico by Died of the smallpox brought to Mexico by a soldier with Narvaez. a soldier with Narvaez.

Was nephew to Moctezuma II.Was nephew to Moctezuma II.

CUAUHTEMOC 1520-1521CUAUHTEMOC 1520-1521

““DESCENDING EAGLE”, also known as DESCENDING EAGLE”, also known as "Prince Falling "Prince Falling Eagle"Eagle". . Defended Tenochtitlan against Cortes to the last man. Defended Tenochtitlan against Cortes to the last man. Was captured and eventually hung by Colonial troops.Was captured and eventually hung by Colonial troops.Cuauhtemoc was a skilled military leader. Cuauhtemoc was a skilled military leader. Another nephew of Motecuhzoma and was 18 years old Another nephew of Motecuhzoma and was 18 years old at the time he was chosen to be the Aztec leader. at the time he was chosen to be the Aztec leader. Was immediately wed to one of Moctezuma's daughters, Was immediately wed to one of Moctezuma's daughters, Tecuichpo, who would later become a Christian and Tecuichpo, who would later become a Christian and have four Spanish husbands. have four Spanish husbands. He was a symbol of valor to the Mexica and represented He was a symbol of valor to the Mexica and represented their spirit of nationalism and pride. Cuauhtemoc's reign, their spirit of nationalism and pride. Cuauhtemoc's reign, although short, was eventful and envied much respect although short, was eventful and envied much respect from the Spanish Conquistadors and Cortes in particular.from the Spanish Conquistadors and Cortes in particular.

The Aztecs

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