AZTEC RULERS

Introduction

• In the beginning stages of Tenochtitlan development, Aztec life was very difficult in their undesirable location. Tenochtitlan was located on a marshy island with limited resources.

• They built a few thatch and mud huts and some small temples. The Aztecs had to work constantly to maintain a city on swampy land.

• There were also continuing tensions between the Aztecs and their neighbours on the mainland. Despite these obstacles the Aztecs worked tirelessly to improve their lives.

• They adopted an agricultural system of farming called the Chinampas, and transformed the land into a fertile and highly productive island.

• As the Aztec empire expanded, specialized craftsmen and laborers were brought in to expand the city.

• Since it was built on swamp land, large wooden stakes were driven into the soft ground to provide foundations for the new buildings.

• Often the temples and palaces would sink below ground level. As a result, the older buildings were continuously repaired or rebuilt with the newer structures built over the older core.

• By 1376, the Aztecs knew that they had to select an emperor of royal lineage (roots), to gain the respect of their neighbours.

• Each emperor was elected from the royal lineage by a council made up of priest, warriors, and nobles.

• The reigns would first pass from brother to brother before they were passed to the next generation.

• They chose a man by the name of Acamapichtli as their emperor. He was related to the last rulers of the Culhuacan, and his lineage extended back to the great ruler Quetzalcoatl.

• With the selection of Acamapichtli as the Aztecs first true emperor, they were able to claim descendancy from the Toltecs.

1st Ruler: Acamapichtli

(1376-1395)Guided early construction of

the city, accomplished a number of local conquests

'Handful of Arrows'. Was the first "true" emperor, and

descended from the Toltecs.

2nd Ruler: Huitziláihuitl

(1395-1417)Was the son of Acamapichtli.

Guided early construction of the city, accomplished a number of local conquests 'Hummingbird

Feather'

3rd Ruler: Chimalpopoca

(1417-1427)

Believed to have been the grandson of Acamapichtli. Under his leadership, the

people serve as mercenaries to Tezozomoc, a ruthless warrior of the Tepanecs. He died in a

mysterious fashion, likely by the hands of the Tepanecs. Guided

the early construction of the city, and accomplished a

number of local conquests 'Smoking Shield'

4th Ruler: Itzcóatl (1428-1440)

Was related to Acamapichtli. Under his leadership, the Aztecs broke with the

Tepanecs. Itzcóatl's advisor was a brillant and powerful man named

Tlacaelel. He suggested that all early recorded history be burned, and

history be rewritten beginning at that time.

Formed a coalition with other lakeside people against the Tepanecs, and

brought an end to the Tepanec domination of the basin of Mexico by sacking the city of Alzcapotzalco. It

was a time for building and the city of Tenochtitlan grew and prospered. He

founded the empire of the Triple Alliance

'Obsidian Serpent'

5th Ruler: Moctezuma I (1440-1469)

Moctezuma was Itzcóal's nephew. During his rule the Aztec empire was greatly

expanded. He built botanical and zoological gardens, where every known plant and

animal were collected and studied. It was also during his reign, that a severe drought caused a great famine. His people had to sell themselves to the people of Veracruz.

Human sacrifice dramatically increased and the "Flowery Wars" provided the necessary sacrificial victims. Established the Aztecs'

victorious military program, greatly expanded Aztec empire

'Angry Lord, Archer in the Sky'

Chimalpopoca's son and Moctezuma Ilhuicamina's

daughter married and had three sons who became rulers.

6th Ruler: Axayácatl (1469-1481)

Was Moctezuma's grandson who spent most of his time

reconquering lost territories and suppressing rebellions.

Continued to expand the Aztec empire, lost to the fierce Tarascans of Michoacan

'Water Face'

7th Ruler: Tizoc (1481-1486)

Was Moctezuma's grandson and Axayácatl brother. He was a relatively weak and cowardly leader; "his life was short and his deeds few." His principal

achievement being to initiate a major renovation and

expansion of the Templo Mayor complex 'Chalk Leg'

8th Ruler: Ahuizotl (1486-1502)

Was Moctezuma's grandson and brother of Axayácatl and Tizoc. He was an aggressive, fierce military

leader who expanded Aztec territory to the Guatemalan border. The main temple at Tenochtitlán was completed during his reign.

Sacrificed 20,000 to 80,000 victims at the main temple's opening

ceremony. 'Water Beast'

9th Ruler: Moctezuma II (1502-1520)

The son of Axayácatl, great grandson of Moctezuma I. He was a powerful,

knowledgeable emperor, but a capable and demanding leader. He was trained to

be an emperor since birth. He transformed Tenochtitlán into an awe

inspiring cultural metropolis. He was very superstitous and believed in the legend of

Quetzalcóatl. He will always be remembered for his surrender of

Tenochtitlán to the Spanish. He died in 1520 in the midst of a bloodly battle

against the Spanish. 'Angry Lord, The Younger'

10th Ruler: Cuitláhuac

(1520) He was Moctezuma’s

nephew. He only ruled for 80 days, then died of smallpox which was brought by the

Spaniards.

11th Ruler: Cuauhtémoc (1520-1524)

He was the son of Ahuitzáotl, and nephew to Moctezuma and Cuitláhuach. He was the last of

the Aztec emperors and the bravest of them all. He fought

courageously against the Spaniards in defence of their great city, Tenochtitlán (which was eventually destroyed). He was hung by the Spaniards in

1524. BIBLIOGRAPHY:http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CIVAMRCA/AZTECS.HTM