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.
