Mexica: A History Podcast

Tag: Moctezuma

  • Aztec Rulers: Moctezuma II, Ninth Tlatoani

    Formal name: Moctezuma Xocoyotzin
    Life: 1468-1520
    Reign: 1502-1520
    Name: Angry Lord
    Place of Birth: Likely Tenochtitlan
    Death: Palace of Axayacatl, Tenochtitlan, killed by Spaniards or possibly Mexica mob.

    The day after Ahuitzotl’s ashes were interred in the Sacred Precinct a council was formed to select the next ruler. There were many choices. After some discussion all the lords there unanimously selected Moctezuma. 

    Born around 1468, Moctezuma was the son of Tlatoani Axayacatzin, nephew of previous tlatoque Tizoc and Ahuitzotl, and also a noted military leader and religiously devout man. He had served as Tlacochcalacatl, or military general, the highest rank in the Mexica world and it was said his military advice was always sound. He was a natural choice.

    Moctezuma from the Codex Mendoza.

    During a coronation ceremony likely held in 1502, retold in detail by Duran, the new king vowed to care for the people of Tenochtitlan, including the old, the young, the gods and warriors. How accurate Duran’s writings are is not clear but the scene he sets is one of a powerful oath taken to his people.

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  • Great Treasure of Moctezuma

    Below are lists and descriptions of the Great Treasure presented to Cortes in San Juan de Ulua. This is the legendary gift presented by Tendile and includes the much mentioned gold sun-disc and silver moon-disc. The descriptions of the treasure and the place vary by writer, but most place the exchange on either Cortes’s flagship or the beach where his men were setting up camp.

    Annals of Tlatelolco

    Very basic narrative, tells that they met Cortes at Tecpantlayacac and gave him the listed gifts. Also that a sacrifice was performed and rebuked with punishment of death by Cortes.

    • Suns of yellow and of white (gold and silver)
    • Mirror
    • Golden helmet
    • Golden shell headcover
    • Head fan of plumes
    • Shield of shell
    Quetzal-feather Aztec headdress, held in Vienna Austria.
    Quetzal-feather Aztec headdress, held in Vienna Austria.
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  • Who Was Moctezuma?

    Moctezuma represented in the Codex Mendoza.
    Moctezuma represented in the Codex Mendoza.

    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.