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1892 illustration of Moctezuma II. Moctezuma Xocoyotzin [N.B. 1] (c. 1466 – 29 June 1520), retroactively referred to in European sources as Moctezuma II, [N.B. 2] was the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire (also known as the Mexica Empire), [1] reigning from 1502 or 1503 to 1520.
The Aztecs named a new emperor to replace Moctezuma, whom they regarded now as weak and easily influenced by the Spaniards. Cortés attempted to negotiate a peace, and as a last resort, urged Moctezuma to speak with his people to achieve a truce, but the angry Aztecs struck down Moctezuma in a hail of rocks.
Cuauhtemoc's date of birth is unknown, as he does not enter the historical record until he became emperor. [2] He was the eldest legitimate son of Emperor Ahuitzotl [3] and may well have attended the last New Fire ceremony, marking the beginning of a new 52-year cycle in the Aztec calendar. [4]
Led by the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II, the Aztec Empire had established dominance over central Mexico through military conquest and intricate alliances. Because the Aztec Empire ruled via hegemonic control by maintaining local leadership and relying on the psychological perception of Aztec power—backed by military force —the Aztecs normally ...
Killed several of Moctezuma II's children to safeguard his right to the throne. [18] Led fierce resistance against the Spaniards but was captured and defeated in 1521. Retained position and title under Spanish rule but held in custody. [19] [20] Seen as a national hero in Mexico. [19] 1502 – 28 February 1525 [17] (aged 23)
Moctezuma II was, although many sources depict him otherwise, a notable warrior who extended the tributary system, and consolidated the conquests made by his predecessors as well as conquering new territories. His campaigns reached as far south as Tapachula in the Soconusco region and the Chontal Maya states of Xicallanco in Tabasco.
Moctezuma II spent most of his reign consolidating power in lands conquered by his predecessors. [40] In 1515, Aztec armies commanded by the Tlaxcalan general Tlahuicole invaded the Purépecha Empire once again. [42] The Aztec army failed to take any territory and was mostly restricted to raiding. The Purépecha defeated them and the army ...
In one of his responses to Cortés, Moctezuma blamed the commanders of the local Aztec garrison for the resistance in Cholula, and recognizing that his long-standing attempts to dissuade Cortés from coming to Tenochtitlan with gifts of gold and silver had failed, Moctezuma finally invited the conquistadors to visit his capital city, according ...