Moctezuma Xocoyotzin had been raised to be head of the Aztec Empire and leader of the Mexica people. He had likely graduated from the Calmecac military academy and was an accomplished military leader, having proven himself as a commander. He was a faithful and knowledgeable religious man who took much weight in the signs and spirits.
His physical appearance was described by Diaz as slender and handsome, with straight dark hair to his ears with a slight black beard and slightly darker skin than the Spanish.
During his reign he expanded the Empire to the South and West and made reforms to the social class. In the end he sat atop a valley full of people tired of Mexica rule. Cortes used this animus to form allegiances and support networks that he leveraged against Moctezuma and the Mexica leaders in Tenochtitlan. Whether killed by the Spanish, or by a shower of stones and arrows from rebellious Tenochs, his death meant little for the end was already upon them.
Facts: Ninth Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, and head of the Aztec Empire and the Triple Alliance w/ Texcoco and Tlacopan.
Name means “one who frowns in anger,” scowl?
Born 1466ish
Took the throne in 1502.
52 or 53 at time of conquest
Two main wives (Diaz). Many children, one wife was Tlapalizquixochtzin and the other Teotlalco, both princesses from Ecatepec.
Several children who went on to become nobility.