Huitzilihuitl – 2nd Ruler of the Mexica
The second Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, and the first that was born in the city, was Huitzilihuitl. He was the son of the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli and a Mexica mother named Tezcatlan Miyahuatzin. He was born into a Mexica community still subject to the Tepanec people of Azcapotzalco. He took the throne at about age 16, after the death of his father circa 1403.
Militarily, he aligned the Mexica with Azcapotzalco in their feud with Texcoco. Tenochtitlan profited greatly from the raids of cities to the south and east of Lake Texcoco during these wars. He died around 1417 with his son Chimalpopoca, succeeding him.
Huitzilihuitl pursued his father’s politics, building ties, slowly strengthening the city and army. His reign saw the spread of cotton weaving, elevating Mexica clothing from the courser maguey (agave) fabrics to the much softer cotton fabrics.
Name: His name translates to hummingbird feather. In both of the images a green hummingbird can be seen representing his name. Next to his symbol is his name spelled in Latin characters.
Acamapichtli <<- Huitzilihuitl ->> Chimalpopca