Tag: Chimalpopoca

  • Aztec Rulers: Chimalpopoca, Third Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan

    Formal Name: Chimalpopocatzin
    Life: 13??/1407 (Duran)-1424/28
    Reign: 1417-1424/28
    Name: obsidian serpent
    Place of Birth: Tenochtitlan
    Died: Tenochtitlan, likely assassinated.

    While it’s commonly accepted Chimalpopoca is the son of Huitzilihuitl, and grandson of Acamapichtli, there are versions of history that say his father was Acamapichtli, the first ruler of Tenochtitlan. It does seem he was the favorite grandson of the ruler of Atzcapozalco, Tezozomoc, according to several sources. I’m going to go with the version where he is the grandson of Acamapichtli and Tezozomoc. Chimalpopoca’s name means smoking shield and his name glyph is shown as a shield, or chimalli in Nahuatl, with smoke rising off the top.

    Illustration of Chimalpopoca, Codex Tovar 1587 or 1588.
    Illustration of Chimalpopoca, Codex Tovar 1587 or 1588.
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