The Aztec /ˈæztɛk/[1] people were certain ethnic groups of central Mexico, particularly those groups who spoke the Nahuatl language and who dominated large parts of Mesoamerica from the 14th to 16th centuries. The Nahuatl words aztecatl [as'tekat͡ɬ] (singular)[2] and aztecah [as'tekaʔ] (plural)[2] mean "people from Aztlan",[3] a mythological place for the Nahuatl-speaking culture of the time, and later adopted as the word to define the Mexica people. Often the term "Aztec" refers exclusively to the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan (now the location of Mexico City), situated on an island in Lake Texcoco, who referred to themselves as Mexica Tenochca [me'ʃika te'not͡ʃka] or Cōlhuah Mexica [koːlwaʔ me'ʃika]. Sometimes the term also includes the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan's two principal allied city-states, the Acolhuas of Texcoco and the Tepanecs of Tlacopan, who together with the Mexica formed the Aztec Triple Alliance which controlled what is often known as "the Aztec Empire". In other contexts, Aztec may refer to all the various city states and their peoples, who shared large parts of their ethnic history and cultural traits with the Mexica, Acolhua and Tepanecs, and who often also used the Nahuatl language as a lingua franca. In this meaning it is possible to talk about an Aztec civilization including all the particular cultural patterns common for most of the peoples inhabiting Central Mexico in the late postclassic period. From the 13th century, the Valley of Mexico was the heart of Aztec civilization: here the capital of the Aztec Triple Alliance, the city of Tenochtitlan, was built upon raised islets in Lake Texcoco. The Triple Alliance formed a tributary empire expanding its political hegemony far beyond the Valley of Mexico, conquering other city states throughout Mesoamerica. At its pinnacle, Aztec culture had rich and complex mythological and religious traditions, as well as reaching remarkable architectural and artistic accomplishments. In 1521 Hernán Cortés, along with a large number of Nahuatl speaking indigenous allies, conquered Tenochtitlan and defeated the Aztec Triple Alliance under the leadership of Hueyi Tlatoani Moctezuma II. Subsequently the Spanish founded the new settlement of Mexico City on the site of the ruined Aztec capital, from where they proceeded with the process of colonizing Central America. Aztec culture and history is primarily known through archaeological evidence found in excavations such as that of the renowned Templo Mayor in Mexico City; from indigenous bark paper codices; from eyewitness accounts by Spanish conquistadors such as Hernán Cortés and Bernal Díaz del Castillo; and especially from 16th and 17th century descriptions of Aztec culture and history written by Spanish clergymen and literate Aztecs in the Spanish or Nahuatl language, such as the famous Florentine Codex compiled by the Franciscan monk Bernardino de Sahagún with the help of indigenous Aztec informants.

1. The AztecsThe Aztecs
The Chichimec PeriodThe Chichimec Period
Cultural InnovationsCultural Innovations
Social/Political StructureSocial/Political Structure

2. The Chichimec PeriodThe Chichimec Period
The Aztec originated from somewhere in northThe Aztec originated from somewhere in north
or northwest Mexico.or northwest Mexico.
At that time the Aztecs (who referred toAt that time the Aztecs (who referred to
themselves as the Mexica or Tenochca) were athemselves as the Mexica or Tenochca) were a
small, nomadic, Nahuatl-speaking aggregationsmall, nomadic, Nahuatl-speaking aggregation
of tribal peoples living on the margins ofof tribal peoples living on the margins of
civilized Mesoamerica.civilized Mesoamerica.
Sometime in the 12th century they embarkedSometime in the 12th century they embarked
on a period of wandering and in the 13thon a period of wandering and in the 13th
century settled in the central basin of México.century settled in the central basin of México.

3. The Aztecs finally found refuge on smallThe Aztecs finally found refuge on small
islands in Lake Texcoco where, in 1325,islands in Lake Texcoco where, in 1325,
they founded the town of TENOCHTITLANthey founded the town of TENOCHTITLAN
(modern-day Mexico City).(modern-day Mexico City).
Other Chichimecs followed who wereOther Chichimecs followed who were
more civilized but stole women andmore civilized but stole women and
practiced sacrifice.practiced sacrifice.
– brought knowledge of the Maya calenderbrought knowledge of the Maya calender
system, cultivated crops with irrigation,system, cultivated crops with irrigation,
constructed with stone.constructed with stone.
The Chichimec PeriodThe Chichimec Period

4. Aztec Origin MythAztec Origin Myth
Little is known of the earliest Aztecs, they did not keepLittle is known of the earliest Aztecs, they did not keep
a written record. Their history was passed on by worda written record. Their history was passed on by word
of mouth from one generation to the next. Legend hasof mouth from one generation to the next. Legend has
it that they came from an Island called Aztlan, meaningit that they came from an Island called Aztlan, meaning
White PlaceWhite Place -- Place of HeronsPlace of Herons..
There is one codex, theThere is one codex, the Tira de la Peregrinacion,Tira de la Peregrinacion,
commonly called thecommonly called the Migration Scrolls.Migration Scrolls. The scrollsThe scrolls
have the Aztecs leaving Aztlan, which was describedhave the Aztecs leaving Aztlan, which was described
as an island in a lake with Chicomoztoc depicted asas an island in a lake with Chicomoztoc depicted as
seven temples in the center of the island.seven temples in the center of the island.

5. The Aztecs believed Huitzilopochtli their war god was their protector,The Aztecs believed Huitzilopochtli their war god was their protector,
now had them search for theirnow had them search for their promised land.promised land.
The Aztecs straggled into the Valley of Mexico, led by their chieftainThe Aztecs straggled into the Valley of Mexico, led by their chieftain
Tenoch. They were a poor, ragged people who survived on vermin,Tenoch. They were a poor, ragged people who survived on vermin,
snakes, and stolen food. They were hated and rejected by all thesnakes, and stolen food. They were hated and rejected by all the
surrounding inhabitants of the valley, for their barbarous andsurrounding inhabitants of the valley, for their barbarous and
uncultured habits.uncultured habits.
Huitzilopochtli told Tenoch to lead his people to a place of refuge onHuitzilopochtli told Tenoch to lead his people to a place of refuge on
a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. When they reached theira swampy island in Lake Texcoco. When they reached their
destination, they were to look for an eagle perched on a cactus,destination, they were to look for an eagle perched on a cactus,
growing from a rock or cave surrounded by water. At that location,growing from a rock or cave surrounded by water. At that location,
they were to build their city and honor Huitzilopochtli with humanthey were to build their city and honor Huitzilopochtli with human
sacrifices. The city they built was called Tenochtitlán, the city ofsacrifices. The city they built was called Tenochtitlán, the city of
Tenoch.Tenoch.
Aztec Origin MythAztec Origin Myth

6. What is the meaning of the wordWhat is the meaning of the word
Aztlan?Aztlan?
Aztlan is the mythical place of origin of the Aztec peoples.Aztlan is the mythical place of origin of the Aztec peoples.
In their language (Nahuatl), the roots of Aztlan are the two words:In their language (Nahuatl), the roots of Aztlan are the two words:
aztatl tlan(tli) meaning "heron" and "place of," respectively. 'Tlantli'aztatl tlan(tli) meaning "heron" and "place of," respectively. 'Tlantli'
proper means tooth, and as a characteristic of a good tooth is that itproper means tooth, and as a characteristic of a good tooth is that it
is firmly rooted in place, and does not move, the prefix of this wordis firmly rooted in place, and does not move, the prefix of this word
is commonly used in Nahuatl to denote settlements, or placeis commonly used in Nahuatl to denote settlements, or place
names, e.g. Mazatlan (place of deer), Papalotlan (place ofnames, e.g. Mazatlan (place of deer), Papalotlan (place of
butterflies) or Tepoztlan (place of metal).butterflies) or Tepoztlan (place of metal).
The Nahuatl language is often said to include three levels ofThe Nahuatl language is often said to include three levels of
meaning for its words or expressions: literal, syncretic andmeaning for its words or expressions: literal, syncretic and
connotative. The connotative meaning of Aztlan, due to theconnotative. The connotative meaning of Aztlan, due to the
plumage of herons, is "Place of Whiteness." The mythicalplumage of herons, is "Place of Whiteness." The mythical
descriptions of Aztlan would have it to be an island. You woulddescriptions of Aztlan would have it to be an island. You would
replace -tlan with -tecatl to identify a resident or person from thereplace -tlan with -tecatl to identify a resident or person from the
given place. So, for the examples above, we have that people fromgiven place. So, for the examples above, we have that people from
Mazatlan would be Mazatecatl, someone from Tepoztlan aMazatlan would be Mazatecatl, someone from Tepoztlan a
Tepoztecatl, and someone from Aztlan an Aztecatl.Tepoztecatl, and someone from Aztlan an Aztecatl.

7. Mixeca/AztecMixeca/Aztec
Technically squatted in the area of Tenochtitlan andTechnically squatted in the area of Tenochtitlan and
were known as the Mixeca but today Aztecs is morewere known as the Mixeca but today Aztecs is more
common.common.
The Aztecs remain the most extensively documentedThe Aztecs remain the most extensively documented
of all Amerindian civilizations at the time of Europeanof all Amerindian civilizations at the time of European
contact in the 16th century.contact in the 16th century.
Spanish friars, soldiers, and historians and scholarsSpanish friars, soldiers, and historians and scholars
of Indian or mixed descent left invaluable records ofof Indian or mixed descent left invaluable records of
all aspects of life. These ethnohistoric sources, linkedall aspects of life. These ethnohistoric sources, linked
to modern archaeological inquiries and studies ofto modern archaeological inquiries and studies of
ethnologists, linguists, historians, and art historians,ethnologists, linguists, historians, and art historians,
portray the formation and flourishing of a complexportray the formation and flourishing of a complex
imperial state.imperial state.

8. Basin of MexicoBasin of Mexico
Chain of interconnected lakes, 3-6, butChain of interconnected lakes, 3-6, but
the Aztecs talked about three-Chalco,the Aztecs talked about three-Chalco,
Texcoco, and Xaltocan.Texcoco, and Xaltocan.
– Lake TexcocoLake Texcoco
deepest and water flowed from it to other lakesdeepest and water flowed from it to other lakes
the Basin is about 3,000 sq miles and aboutthe Basin is about 3,000 sq miles and about
15% of that is covered by water.15% of that is covered by water.
Population estimates at aroundPopulation estimates at around
A.D.1519 are between 1 to 1.2 million.A.D.1519 are between 1 to 1.2 million.

9. Aztec EmpireAztec Empire

10. TenochtitlanTenochtitlan

11. How were they all fed?How were they all fed?
Used the Chinampas (floating gardens) forUsed the Chinampas (floating gardens) for
agriculture.agriculture.
– 25,000 acres of chinampas at the time of contact.25,000 acres of chinampas at the time of contact.
– gardens never actually floated, but were createdgardens never actually floated, but were created
by making use of the vegetaion in the swamps.by making use of the vegetaion in the swamps.
– Floating water plants were used to build upFloating water plants were used to build up
gardens and then were dragged onto shore forgardens and then were dragged onto shore for
chinampas.chinampas.
– They became anchored to the native cypress.They became anchored to the native cypress.
– Lake mud was piled on and canals were built.Lake mud was piled on and canals were built.

12. ChinampasChinampas
However, although chinampas were veryHowever, although chinampas were very
productive, the number of people living inproductive, the number of people living in
the area at the time of contact could notthe area at the time of contact could not
keep up with subsistence and surplus foodkeep up with subsistence and surplus food
demands.demands.
These marsh plots also brought in birdsThese marsh plots also brought in birds
and fish that could be gathered while theyand fish that could be gathered while they
were working.were working.

13. ChinampasChinampas
Ancient Aztecs tending to chinampas
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-society.htm

14. Cultural Innovations:Cultural Innovations:
Trade, Economics, Market SystemTrade, Economics, Market System
Part of inter-related regions whichPart of inter-related regions which
consisted of Morelos to the south, Pueblaconsisted of Morelos to the south, Puebla
to the east, Mezquital to the north, andto the east, Mezquital to the north, and
Toluca to the west.Toluca to the west.
– although many crops the same, some areasalthough many crops the same, some areas
had their specialty crops.had their specialty crops.
– tropical fruits, cotton, cacao from Morelos,tropical fruits, cotton, cacao from Morelos,
beans from Puebla.beans from Puebla.
– flowers were also a big part of the economyflowers were also a big part of the economy
because one of the great pleasures was ofbecause one of the great pleasures was of
the smelling of flowers.the smelling of flowers.

15. Aztec Market (Tlateloco)Aztec Market (Tlateloco)
Market days were held once each five days, fourMarket days were held once each five days, four
times each month. Sometimes daily in largertimes each month. Sometimes daily in larger
towns.towns.
– reflected community craft specializations as well asreflected community craft specializations as well as
imported goods.imported goods.
– also slaves were traded, and dogs for food (400 on aalso slaves were traded, and dogs for food (400 on a
slow day).slow day).
Bernal Diaz de Castillo says that he didn’t evenBernal Diaz de Castillo says that he didn’t even
have time to list how many things were offeredhave time to list how many things were offered
one day at the market of Tlateloco.one day at the market of Tlateloco.
– commodities and goods exchanged by barter.commodities and goods exchanged by barter.

16. Cultural InnovationsCultural Innovations
WritingWriting
– Nahuatl language spoken at conquest, livingNahuatl language spoken at conquest, living
language today.language today.
– Many codices and glyphs to describe lifeways ofMany codices and glyphs to describe lifeways of
Aztecs, as well as Spanish accounts.Aztecs, as well as Spanish accounts.
Several Significant Codices:Several Significant Codices:
– Codex BorbonicusCodex Borbonicus
– Florentine Codex
– Codex Mendoza

17. Codex BorbonicusCodex Borbonicus
A scene from the Codex Borbonicus, which shows the
gods Tlachitonátiuh and Xolotl, while on the right are the
8 to 13 days of the sixteenth series of the ritual series.
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztecs4.htm

18. Florentine CodexFlorentine Codex
Human sacrifice
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/florentine-
codex.htm

19. Codex MendozaCodex Mendoza
Tribute
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/codex-mendoza.htm

20. Cultural InnovationsCultural Innovations
ArtArt
– Stone carving to communicate ideas.Stone carving to communicate ideas.
– Free-standing figures of Aztec deities.Free-standing figures of Aztec deities.
– Aztec Calender stone.Aztec Calender stone.
– Atlantean figures and chocmoolsAtlantean figures and chocmools
MetallurgyMetallurgy
– acquired from Maya.acquired from Maya.
– Mostly gold, silver.Mostly gold, silver.

21. ArtArt
http://www.mesoweb.com/features/jpl/99.html
Obsidian vessel carvedObsidian vessel carved
in the shape of ain the shape of a
monkeymonkey
Polychrome terracota
plaque with molded and
apliquéd sculpture of a
human face
Stone box with representations
of corn cobs

22. JewelryJewelry
Necklaces found in the
Great Temple at Tenochtitlan
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-jewelry.htm

23. MasksMasks
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~delacova/aztec-masks.htm

24. Social StructureSocial Structure
Basic unit of social organizationBasic unit of social organization
– calpulli (clan)calpulli (clan)
– not all lineages within the clan were equal.not all lineages within the clan were equal.
Membership by birth.Membership by birth.
– families traced their descent through fathers,families traced their descent through fathers,
which is a lineage, and these lineages makewhich is a lineage, and these lineages make
up a calpulli.up a calpulli.
– marry within the calpulli.marry within the calpulli.
– one lineage provides leader of that calpule.one lineage provides leader of that calpule.

25. Four principle social categories:Four principle social categories:
Pipiltin-Pipiltin-
– ruler of the city state and his relatives.ruler of the city state and his relatives.
– only ones to own their own landonly ones to own their own land
Macehualtin-commoner clan.Macehualtin-commoner clan.
– serfs who worked others land.serfs who worked others land.
Pochtea-merchant clan.Pochtea-merchant clan.
– owned communal land.owned communal land.
Tlacotin-slaves.Tlacotin-slaves.
– no land, no rights.no land, no rights.
– reversible status.reversible status.

26. Political OrganizationPolitical Organization
Divine King or ruler of AztecDivine King or ruler of Aztec
Each city (other than Tenochtitlan) ruled by a petty-Each city (other than Tenochtitlan) ruled by a petty-
king selected from the pipiltin.king selected from the pipiltin.
Dual leadership-military and religiousDual leadership-military and religious
– supreme leader chosen from special lineage, with brothersupreme leader chosen from special lineage, with brother
succeeding brother.succeeding brother.
– court which ruled over military, justice, treasury, andcourt which ruled over military, justice, treasury, and
commerce.commerce.
Moctezuma II
http://www.rose-
hulman.edu/~delacova/florentin
e-codex.htm

27. Judicial branchJudicial branch
Both pipitlin and commoners chosen.Both pipitlin and commoners chosen.
higher and lower courts.higher and lower courts.
– commoners went to lower court (tecalli).commoners went to lower court (tecalli).
– higher court for upper class (tlacxitlan).higher court for upper class (tlacxitlan).
Prisoners kept in wooden cages, sentencingPrisoners kept in wooden cages, sentencing
could be death, mutilation or slavery.could be death, mutilation or slavery.
* Even elite tried-the sister of Motecuhzoma II* Even elite tried-the sister of Motecuhzoma II
was tried by her husband for extramarital affairswas tried by her husband for extramarital affairs
and she and her lovers were put to death.and she and her lovers were put to death.

28. Rulers: Post 14Rulers: Post 14thth
CC
1Acamapichtli A.D.1376-13911Acamapichtli A.D.1376-1391
-married Ilancueil (“Toltec Princess”)-married Ilancueil (“Toltec Princess”)
2Huitzilihuitl 1391-14152Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415
3Chimalpopocoa 1415-14263Chimalpopocoa 1415-1426 4Itzcoatl 1426-14404Itzcoatl 1426-1440
5Moctezuma I 1440-14695Moctezuma I 1440-1469
Atotozli = TezozomocAtotozli = Tezozomoc
6Axayacatl 1469-1481 7Tizoc 1481-1486 8Ahuizotl 1486-15026Axayacatl 1469-1481 7Tizoc 1481-1486 8Ahuizotl 1486-1502
10Cuitlahuac152010Cuitlahuac1520 9Moctezuma II 1502-15209Moctezuma II 1502-1520
11Cuauhtemoc 1520-152511Cuauhtemoc 1520-1525

29. Acamapichtli 1372-1391Acamapichtli 1372-1391
Aztec dynasty emerges ca. 1371Aztec dynasty emerges ca. 1371
name means "handful of reeds"name means "handful of reeds"
was son of Mexica noble and Culhua womanwas son of Mexica noble and Culhua woman
dynasty from which he came had links todynasty from which he came had links to
Acolhua provided link to Toltec past: wife was ofAcolhua provided link to Toltec past: wife was of
Culhua nobilityCulhua nobility
conquests of Xochimilco and Cuernavacaconquests of Xochimilco and Cuernavaca
beginning of conflict with Chalcobeginning of conflict with Chalco
building up city and constructing houses,building up city and constructing houses,
chinampas, and canalschinampas, and canals
died ca. 1391, after reign of ca. 19 yearsdied ca. 1391, after reign of ca. 19 years

30. Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415Huitzilihuitl 1391-1415
"Humming Bird's Feather""Humming Bird's Feather"
– first wife was from Tacubafirst wife was from Tacuba
– second wife was a Tepanec princess, granddaughtersecond wife was a Tepanec princess, granddaughter
of Tezozomoc from Azcapotzalcoof Tezozomoc from Azcapotzalco
resulted in favorable treatment from Tezozomocresulted in favorable treatment from Tezozomoc
after birth of son Chimalpopoca, delegation came fromafter birth of son Chimalpopoca, delegation came from
AzcapotzalcoAzcapotzalco
– third wife a: mother of Tlacaelelthird wife a: mother of Tlacaelel
– fourth wife was from Cuernavacafourth wife was from Cuernavaca
mother of Moctezuma Ilhuicaminamother of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina
– died ca. 1415died ca. 1415

31. Chimalpopoca 1415-1426Chimalpopoca 1415-1426
"Smoking Shield""Smoking Shield"
– half Tepanechalf Tepanec
– oversaw war with Texcocooversaw war with Texcoco
– in Texcoco, authority was challenged byin Texcoco, authority was challenged by
IxtlilxochitlIxtlilxochitl
– asserted right to be called "Lord of theasserted right to be called "Lord of the
Chichimecs"Chichimecs"

32. Itzcoatl 1426-1440Itzcoatl 1426-1440
Chimalpopoca succeeded by uncle Itzcoatl (ObsidianChimalpopoca succeeded by uncle Itzcoatl (Obsidian
Serpent)Serpent)
Itzcoatl acceded in 1426 at the age of 46Itzcoatl acceded in 1426 at the age of 46
– may have had Chimalpopoca killedmay have had Chimalpopoca killed
– chief advisor was nephew Tlacaelel, son of Huitzilihuitlchief advisor was nephew Tlacaelel, son of Huitzilihuitl
– younger brother of Moctezuma Iyounger brother of Moctezuma I
– assumed title of Cihuacoatl (Woman Snake)assumed title of Cihuacoatl (Woman Snake)
– chief reformer of Aztec statechief reformer of Aztec state
destroyed pre-Aztec books and recordsdestroyed pre-Aztec books and records
promoted view of Aztecs as heirs to Toltec traditionpromoted view of Aztecs as heirs to Toltec tradition
reign characterized by troubles with Tepanecsreign characterized by troubles with Tepanecs
latter demanded signs of submissionlatter demanded signs of submission
war broke out between Mexica and Tepanecs upon death of Itzcoatlwar broke out between Mexica and Tepanecs upon death of Itzcoatl

33. Motecuhzoma IlhuicaminaMotecuhzoma Ilhuicamina
1440-14681440-1468
"Heaven Shooter“"Heaven Shooter“
began construction of Templo Mayor at Tenochtitlanbegan construction of Templo Mayor at Tenochtitlan
first conquest was with region of Chalcafirst conquest was with region of Chalca
Empire expansionEmpire expansion
– campaign towards Oaxaca begun in 1458campaign towards Oaxaca begun in 1458
– pretense was killing of merchantspretense was killing of merchants
– conquered kingdom of Atonalconquered kingdom of Atonal
A catastrophic famine of 1450-1451 occurred and the practice ofA catastrophic famine of 1450-1451 occurred and the practice of
human sacrifice was propelled into a high gear in ever increasinghuman sacrifice was propelled into a high gear in ever increasing
numbers. People sold themselves for a few ears of corn to keepnumbers. People sold themselves for a few ears of corn to keep
from starving.from starving.
– drive to Gulf Coastdrive to Gulf Coast
fertile Tototac lands sought as protection against faminefertile Tototac lands sought as protection against famine
Tlaxcalans neglected to come to assistance of Gulf Coast peoplesTlaxcalans neglected to come to assistance of Gulf Coast peoples
common people denounced their rulerscommon people denounced their rulers
Huaxtecs conquered nextHuaxtecs conquered next

34. AXAYACATL 1469-1481AXAYACATL 1469-1481
Water Mask, Face of Water, Son of Moctezuma I.Water Mask, Face of Water, Son of Moctezuma I.
At 19 years of age this leader was installed as the Great Speaker ofAt 19 years of age this leader was installed as the Great Speaker of
the Aztec faith and army. He proved himself a great warrior andthe Aztec faith and army. He proved himself a great warrior and
military strategist and expanded the Aztec empire.military strategist and expanded the Aztec empire.
His most famous military campaign was in subduing a rebellion fromHis most famous military campaign was in subduing a rebellion from
close neighbor and sister city next to Tenochtitlan, Tlatelolco inclose neighbor and sister city next to Tenochtitlan, Tlatelolco in
1473.1473.
One of the most colorful stories in Aztec history has Axayacatl inOne of the most colorful stories in Aztec history has Axayacatl in
hand to hand combat atop the great pyramid with the leader ofhand to hand combat atop the great pyramid with the leader of
Tlatelolco, Moquihuix, with the latter being thrown down the steps ofTlatelolco, Moquihuix, with the latter being thrown down the steps of
the temple. Conquered Tlatelolco(*38) on trumped up phonythe temple. Conquered Tlatelolco(*38) on trumped up phony
charges and successfully substituted a strong military central controlcharges and successfully substituted a strong military central control
in the region.in the region.
Axayacatl lost a leg in one of his many battles. As a result ofAxayacatl lost a leg in one of his many battles. As a result of
Axayacatl and his concentration of cementing his power base heAxayacatl and his concentration of cementing his power base he
was able to extend total dominance over the Valley of Mexico for thewas able to extend total dominance over the Valley of Mexico for the
Aztec Empire.Aztec Empire.

35. TIZOC 1481-1486TIZOC 1481-1486
““He Has Bled People, Jewell of the Sun”, was theHe Has Bled People, Jewell of the Sun”, was the
brother of Axayacatl.brother of Axayacatl.
Tizoc's name glyph depicted a pierced leg with cactusTizoc's name glyph depicted a pierced leg with cactus
spines, indicating his great devotion to self sacrifice.spines, indicating his great devotion to self sacrifice.
Was proven a bad military leader and was removed fromWas proven a bad military leader and was removed from
office by poison.office by poison.
The empire actually began to shrink under this ruler asThe empire actually began to shrink under this ruler as
his lack of administration skills allowed almost constanthis lack of administration skills allowed almost constant
rebellion.rebellion.
Was calledWas called "Bloodstained Leg""Bloodstained Leg". Though his armies were. Though his armies were
successful, over one hundred thousand prisoners taken,successful, over one hundred thousand prisoners taken,
he was considered a coward.he was considered a coward.

36. AHUITZOTL 1486-1502AHUITZOTL 1486-1502
““Water Dog, Otter”. Was the third son of Moctezuma I.Water Dog, Otter”. Was the third son of Moctezuma I.
Said to be rough and fearless, he lived and slept with hisSaid to be rough and fearless, he lived and slept with his
army, one of the greatest warrior kings.army, one of the greatest warrior kings.
– Greatly expanded the Aztec tribute empire during his reign.Greatly expanded the Aztec tribute empire during his reign.
Conquered the valley of Oaxaca and the Pacific coast toConquered the valley of Oaxaca and the Pacific coast to
Guatemala.Guatemala.
Imposed strong bureaucratic control over the AztecImposed strong bureaucratic control over the Aztec
empire.empire.
The great temple of Tenochtitlan, dedicated in 1487 withThe great temple of Tenochtitlan, dedicated in 1487 with
the sacrifice of 20,000 victims occurred during his reign.the sacrifice of 20,000 victims occurred during his reign.
– Construction of an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the capital wasConstruction of an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the capital was
begun.begun.
Great uncle to Moctezuma II.Great uncle to Moctezuma II.
Ahuitzotl is reported to have died after striking his headAhuitzotl is reported to have died after striking his head
while escaping rising waters in his garden area as a resultwhile escaping rising waters in his garden area as a result
of a dike breaking. Physicians removed parts of hisof a dike breaking. Physicians removed parts of his
smashed skull and the king died probably foam a subduralsmashed skull and the king died probably foam a subdural

37. MOCTEZUMA II 1502-1520MOCTEZUMA II 1502-1520
““Our Angry Looking God, He Who Frowned Like A Lord”Our Angry Looking God, He Who Frowned Like A Lord”
Axayacatl's eldest son was the leading candidate forAxayacatl's eldest son was the leading candidate for
ascending to the throne, however, he was consideredascending to the throne, however, he was considered
too flamboyant and Moctezuma was chosen.too flamboyant and Moctezuma was chosen.
Moctezuma assumed the throne on May 24, 1503.Moctezuma assumed the throne on May 24, 1503.
The Aztec people reached their finest hour under hisThe Aztec people reached their finest hour under his
reign. Was the son of Axayacatl (Ruler 6).reign. Was the son of Axayacatl (Ruler 6).
Originally trained to be a high priest, but proved himselfOriginally trained to be a high priest, but proved himself
valiantly on the field of battle.valiantly on the field of battle.
Very much a philosopher king. During the reign of thisVery much a philosopher king. During the reign of this
leader the Mexica were able to sustain several majorleader the Mexica were able to sustain several major
military campaigns at one time which greatly added tomilitary campaigns at one time which greatly added to
the power base of the empire.the power base of the empire.
Killed while a captive of Cortes.Killed while a captive of Cortes.

38. Moctezuma II

39. Moctezuma II:Moctezuma II:
Feathered HeadressFeathered Headress

40. Moctezuma II and CortesMoctezuma II and Cortes
His priestly training, particularly in the old ToltecHis priestly training, particularly in the old Toltec
traditions, was his downfall as he believed the return oftraditions, was his downfall as he believed the return of
Quetzalcoatl to be incarnated in Cortes, it paralyzed himQuetzalcoatl to be incarnated in Cortes, it paralyzed him
and his vast armies until it was too late for the Aztecs.and his vast armies until it was too late for the Aztecs.
He believed it was his destiny to preside over the AztecsHe believed it was his destiny to preside over the Aztecs
while a total destruction of the Mexica civilizationwhile a total destruction of the Mexica civilization
occurred.occurred.
Moctezuma was considered a skilled statesman andMoctezuma was considered a skilled statesman and
many references by the Conquistadors to theirmany references by the Conquistadors to their
admiration for him.admiration for him.
While a captive of Cortes he lost his stature among theWhile a captive of Cortes he lost his stature among the
general population of Tenochtitlan and was hit in thegeneral population of Tenochtitlan and was hit in the
head by a stone thrown by his former subjects and diedhead by a stone thrown by his former subjects and died
while a captive of Corteswhile a captive of Cortes

41. CUITLAHUAC 1520CUITLAHUAC 1520
Brief interim ruler between MotecuhzomaBrief interim ruler between Motecuhzoma
II and Cuauhtemoc.II and Cuauhtemoc.
Was the lord of Ixtapapapa.Was the lord of Ixtapapapa.
Died of the smallpox brought to Mexico byDied of the smallpox brought to Mexico by
a soldier with Narvaez.a soldier with Narvaez.
Was nephew to Moctezuma II.Was nephew to Moctezuma II.

42. CUAUHTEMOC 1520-1521CUAUHTEMOC 1520-1521
““DESCENDING EAGLE”, also known asDESCENDING EAGLE”, also known as "Prince Falling"Prince Falling
Eagle"Eagle"..
Defended Tenochtitlan against Cortes to the last man.Defended Tenochtitlan against Cortes to the last man.
Was captured and eventually hung by Colonial troops.Was captured and eventually hung by Colonial troops.
Cuauhtemoc was a skilled military leader.Cuauhtemoc was a skilled military leader.
Another nephew of Motecuhzoma and was 18 years oldAnother nephew of Motecuhzoma and was 18 years old
at the time he was chosen to be the Aztec leader.at the time he was chosen to be the Aztec leader.
Was immediately wed to one of Moctezuma's daughters,Was immediately wed to one of Moctezuma's daughters,
Tecuichpo, who would later become a Christian andTecuichpo, who would later become a Christian and
have four Spanish husbands.have four Spanish husbands.
He was a symbol of valor to the Mexica and representedHe was a symbol of valor to the Mexica and represented
their spirit of nationalism and pride. Cuauhtemoc's reign,their spirit of nationalism and pride. Cuauhtemoc's reign,
although short, was eventful and envied much respectalthough short, was eventful and envied much respect
from the Spanish Conquistadors and Cortes in particular.from the Spanish Conquistadors and Cortes in particular.