Mexica: A History Podcast

Month: January 2026

  • Aztec Rulers: Cuauhtémoc, 11th Ruler of Tenochtitlan

    Formal name: Cuauhtemoctzin
    Life: 1502-February 28, 1525
    Reign: 1520-1525
    Name: diving eagle
    Place of Birth: Tenochtitlan or Tlatelolco
    Death: Itzamkanac, Tabasco, hung by Cortes.

    Following Cuitlahuauc’s death, Cuauhtémoc was immediately installed to lead the Mexica, in part, because there were a dwindling few who qualified. Cuauhtémoc did have both noble lineage and characteristics desired in a leader and he lived up to the challenge. 

    Nothing is known of his youth. Born around 1495 or 1496, he was a son of the 8th tlatoani of tenochtitlan, Ahuitzotl, and cousin to Moctezuma II. His mother was Tiyacapantzin, a princess from Tlatelolco. We can speculate on some standards in an elite upbringing, like perhaps attending the youth academy for nobles and that he was likely born in Tenochtitlan during his father’s reign.

    Prisión de Guatimocín, último emperador de Méjico (Museo de Zaragoza).
    Painting called the Prisión de Guatimocín, último emperador de Méjico (Museo de Zaragoza).
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  • Aztec Rulers: Cuitlahuac, 10th Ruler of Tenochtitlan

    Formal name: Cuitlahuatzin
    Life: 1476-1520
    Reign: 1520-1520
    Name: place of excrement
    Place of Birth: Likely Tenochtitlan
    Death: Tenochtitlan, of smallpox.

    Cuitlahuac took power during the occupation of the Mexica capital city in 1520 when Cortes and his Indigenous allies were holed up in his father’s palace. Before Moctezuma was killed the Mexica forces were rallying behind Cuitlahuac. The conquistador Diaz, who was present in Tenochtitlan during the palace siege, said Cuitlahuac was outside the palace every day rallying fighters and motivating his warriors to keep up the fight. I imagine Diaz peering out of a crack in a barricade and seeing Cuitlahuac fighting for his people. Cuitlahuac was the leader the Mexica needed in that moment, fiery and clear on the threat the Castilians posed.

    Illustration of Cuitlahuac.
    Illustration of Cuitlahuac.
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