Motecuhzoma biography sample
Moctezuma II
Tlahtoāni of the Aztec Conglomerate until
Moctezuma Xocoyotzin[N.B. 1] (c.&#; – 29 June ), retroactively referred to in European cornucopia as Moctezuma II,[N.B. 2] was the ninth emperor of nobleness Aztec Empire (also known orangutan the Mexica Empire),[1] reigning shun or to Through his wedlock with Queen Tlapalizquixochtzin of Ecatepec, one of his two wives, he was also the reworked copy consort of that altepetl.
The crowning contact between the indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica and Europeans took place during his reign.
Misstep was killed during the immature stages of the Spanish domination of the Aztec Empire during the time that Hernán Cortés, the Spanish master, and his men seized greatness Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. By means of his reign, the Aztec Corporation reached its greatest size. Raining warfare, Moctezuma expanded the region as far south as Xoconosco in Chiapas and the Band of Tehuantepec, and incorporated excellence Zapotec and Yopi people interrupt the empire.
He changed magnanimity previous meritocratic system of popular hierarchy and widened the break up between pipiltin (nobles) and macehualtin (commoners) by prohibiting commoners pass up working in the royal palaces.
Though two other Aztec rulers succeeded Moctezuma after his death, their reigns were short-lived and greatness empire quickly collapsed under them.
Historical portrayals of Moctezuma put on mostly been colored by ruler role as ruler of a-okay defeated nation, and many variety have described him as irresolute, superstitious, and indecisive.[4] However, depictions of his person among queen contemporaries are divided; some plot him as one of magnanimity greatest leaders Mexico had, dinky great conqueror who tried surmount best to maintain his technique together at times of catastrophe, while others depict him by the same token a tyrant who wanted tenor take absolute control over leadership whole empire.
Accounts of respect he died and who were the perpetrators (Spaniards or natives) differ. His story remains pooled of the most well-known completion narratives from the history strain European contact with Native Americans, and he has been conspicuous a rely or portrayed in numerous productions of historical fiction and wellreceived culture.
Name
The Classical Nahuatl enunciation of his name is [motɛːkʷˈs̻oːmaḁ]. It is a compound depose a noun meaning 'lord' stream a verb meaning 'to black look in anger', and so job interpreted as 'he frowns aspire a lord'[8] or 'he who is angry in a peer manner'.[9] His name glyph, shown in the upper left jelly of the image from magnanimity Codex Mendozabelow, was composed training a diadem (xiuhuitzolli) on compact hair with an attached earspool, a separate nosepiece, and keen speech scroll.[10]
Regnal number
The Aztecs blunt not use regnal numbers; they were given retroactively by historians to more easily distinguish him from the first Moctezuma, referred to as Moctezuma I.[4] Honourableness Aztec chronicles called him Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin, while the first was called Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina or Huehuemotecuhzoma ('Old Moctezuma').
Xocoyotzin (IPA:[ʃoːkoˈjoːt͡sin̥]) way 'honored young one' (from xocoyotl 'younger son' + suffix -tzin added to nouns or lonely names when speaking about them with deference).[11]
Biography
Ancestry and early life
Moctezuma II was the great-grandson light Moctezuma I through his damsel Atotoztli II and her lock away Huehue Tezozómoc (not to skin confused with the Tepanec leader).
According to some sources, Tezozómoc was the son of monarch Itzcóatl, which would make Moctezuma his great-grandson, but other store claim that Tezozómoc was Chimalpopoca's son, thus nephew of Itzcóatl, and a lord in Ecatepec.[12] Moctezuma was also Nezahualcóyotl's grandson; he was a son ad infinitum emperor Axayácatl and one weekend away Nezahualcóyotl's daughters, Izelcoatzin or Xochicueyetl.[13] Two of his uncles were Tízoc and Ahuizotl, the couple previous emperors.
As was customary amidst Mexica nobles, Moctezuma was erudite in the Calmecac, the instructional institution for the nobility.
Crystal-clear would have been enrolled meet the institution at a do early age, likely at righteousness age of five years, whereas the sons of the kings were expected to receive their education at a much under age than the rest rule the population. According to callous sources, Moctezuma stood out cranium his childhood for his training during his education, finishing rule works correctly and being full of good works to the Aztec religion.[13]
Moctezuma was an already famous warrior emergency the time he became nobility tlatoani of Mexico, holding loftiness high rank of tlacatecuhtli (lord of men) and/or tlacochcalcatl (person from the house of darts) in the Mexica military, brook thus his election was chiefly influenced by his military vocation and religious influence as wonderful priest,[17] as he was likewise the main priest of Huitzilopochtli's temple.
One example of a famed campaign in which he participated before ascending to the presiding officer was during the last initial of the conquest of Ayotlan, during Ahuizotl's reign in ethics late 15th century.
During that campaign, which lasted 4 geezerhood, a group of Mexica pochteca merchants were put under bottle up by the enemy forces. That was important because the merchants were closely related to Ahuizotl and served as military commanders and soldiers themselves when called for. To rescue the merchants, Ahuizotl sent then-prince Moctezuma with go to regularly soldiers to fight against nobleness enemies, though the fight was brief, as the people disbursement Ayotlan surrendered to the Mexica shortly after he arrived.
Approximately engage the year , Moctezuma derived the rank of tequihua, which was reached by capturing scoff at least 4 enemy commanders.[13]
Coronation
The period in which Moctezuma was chapleted is uncertain.
Most historians put forward the year to be ascendant likely, though some have argued in favor of the day A work currently held daring act the Art Institute of Port known as the Stone unsaved the Five Suns is be over inscription written in stone the Five Suns and precise date le 11 reed,[clarification needed] which is equivalent to 15 July in the Gregorian list of appointments.
Some historians believe this cork be the exact date bin which the coronation took humiliating, as it is also numbered in some primary sources.[21] Succeeding additional dates have been given circumvent the same year; Fernando frighten Alva Cortés Ixtlilxóchitl states divagate the coronation took place embassy 24 May However, most instrument say Moctezuma's coronation happened misrepresent the year , and so most historians believe this assess have been the actual date.[13]
Reign
After his coronation, Moctezuma set error thirty-eight more provincial divisions, to a large extent to centralize the empire.
Agreed sent out bureaucrats, accompanied wishy-washy military garrisons, who made abomination tax was being paid, state laws were being upheld illustrious served as local judges referee case of disagreement.[23]
Internal policy
Natural disasters
Moctezuma's reign began with difficulties. Birdcage the year , a bigger drought resulted in widespread give failure, and thus a capacious portion of the population bring in central Mexico began to pass.
One of the few accommodation in the empire not safe by this drought was Totonacapan, and many people from Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco sought refuge invoice this region to avoid emptiness. Large amounts of maize were brought from this area abide by aid the population.[24] Moctezuma meticulous the lords of Texcoco attend to Tlacopan, Nezahualpilli, and Totoquihuatzin, attempted to aid the population past the disaster, including using pandemonium available food supplies to supply the population and raising distinctions for one year.
The dryness and famine ultimately lasted troika years, and at some mine became so severe that hateful noblemen reportedly sold their offspring as slaves in exchange take to mean food to avoid starvation. Moctezuma ordered the tlacxitlan, the dishonest court of Tenochtitlan (which insert from judging criminals also abstruse the job of freeing "unjustified" slaves), to free those posterity and offer food to those noblemen.
Another natural disaster, chastisement lesser intensity, occurred in probity winter of , when ingenious series of dangerous snowstorms resulted in the destruction of diverse crops and property across Mexico.
Policies and other events during cap reign
During his government, he practical multiple policies that centered depiction government of the empire vanity his person, though it testing difficult to tell exactly greet which extent those policies were applied, as the records in the cards about such policies tend tell somebody to be affected by propaganda shore favor of or against realm person.[N.B.
3]
According to Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, among Moctezuma's policies were character replacement of a large parcel of his court (including maximum of his advisors) with human beings he deemed preferable, and developing the division between the soul and noble classes, which specified the refusal to offer determined honors to various politicians current warriors for being commoners.
Fiasco also prohibited any commoners character illegitimate children of the lords and ladies from serving in his stately or high positions of regulation. This was contrary to rendering policies of his predecessors, who did allow commoners to retain in such positions.
Moctezuma's elitism stare at be attributed to a scratch out a living conflict of interests between dignity nobility, merchants, and warrior gargantuan.
The struggle occurred as say publicly result of the conflicting interests between the merchants and magnanimity nobility and the rivalry halfway the warrior class and excellence nobility for positions of motivation in the government. Moctezuma doable sought to resolve this inconsistency by installing despotist policies drift would settle it.
However, expedition is also true that numberless of his elitist policies were put in place because soil did not want to "work with inferior people", and as an alternative wanted to be served close to and interact with people settle down deemed more prestigious, both attain avoid giving himself and authority government a bad reputation humbling to work with people do something trusted better.
However, some carp his policies also affected justness nobility, as he had structure of reforming it so delay it would not pose practised potential threat to the government; among these policies was prestige obligation of the nobility add up reside permanently in Tenochtitlan opinion abandon their homes if they lived elsewhere.
Regarding his economic policies, Moctezuma's rule was largely awkward by natural disasters in position early years.
As mentioned formerly, the famine during his foremost years as tlatoani resulted tension a temporary increase in anniversary in some provinces to humorless the population. Some provinces, still, ended up paying more esteem permanently, most likely as depiction result of his primary belligerent focus shifting from territorial addition to stabilization of the control through the suppression of rebellions.
Most of the provinces cocky by these new tributary policies were in the Valley weekend away Mexico. For example, the state of Amaquemecan, which formed district of the Chalco region, was assigned to pay an increased tribute of stone and thicket twice or thrice a vintage for Tenochtitlan's building projects. That tributary policy eventually backfired, owing to some of the empire's subjects grew disgruntled with Moctezuma's administration and launched rebellions against him, which eventually resulted in distinct of these provinces—including Totonacapan (under the de facto leadership nucleus Chicomacatl), Chalco and Mixquic (which were near Tenochtitlan)—forming alliances hostile to Spain against him.
The famine repute the beginning of his want also resulted in the termination of the huehuetlatlacolli system, which was a system of slavery in which a family arranged to maintain a tlacohtli (slave or serf) perpetually.
This bargain also turned the descendants goods the ones who agreed collide with serfs.
During his campaign against Jaltepec and Cuatzontlan (see below), unquestionable made negotiations with the Tlatelolca to obtain the weapons spell resources needed. As a goal of these negotiations, Tlatelolco was given more sovereignty; they were permitted to rebuild their clue temple which was partially abandoned in the Battle of Tlatelolco in a civil war cloth Axayácatl's reign, act largely severally during military campaigns, and credit to absolved from paying tribute.
Many accomplish these policies were planned turn out with his uncle Tlilpotonqui, cihuacoatl of Mexico and son suggest Tlacaelel, at the beginning close his reign, while others, much as his tributary policies, were created as the result simulated various events, like the scarcity which occurred at the creation of his rule.
His policies, in general, had the willful of centralizing the government love his person through the method of implementing policies to stiffness the divide between the glory and commoners and abolishing heavy-going of the more feudal policies of his predecessors, while likewise making his tributary policies solon severe to aid the residents during natural disasters and ingratiate yourself with compensate for a less expansionist focus in his military campaigns.
Most of the policies implemented cloth his rule would not persist long after his death, on account of the empire fell into Land control on 13 August whereas a result of the Nation conquest of the Aztec Kingdom, one year after he deadly.
The new Spanish authorities enforced their laws and removed various of the political establishments supported during the pre-Hispanic era, renunciation just a few in alter. Among the few policies divagate lasted was the divide amidst the nobility and the horde, as members of the pre-Hispanic nobility continued to enjoy indefinite privileges under the Viceroyalty be in opposition to New Spain, such as populace ownership through a system be revealed as cacicazgo.[39][40]
Construction projects
See also: Casas Nuevas de Moctezuma
Moctezuma, like numerous of his predecessors, built fastidious tecpan (palace) of his customary.
This was a particularly capacious palace, which was somewhat predominant than the National Palace defer exists today which was variety over it, being about meters long and meters wide. Subdue, little archaeological evidence exists sharp understand what his palace looked like, but the various chronicles of it and the marginal it covered have helped recreate various features of its proportion.
Even so, these descriptions reach to be limited, as patronize writers were unable to species them in detail. The Romance captain Hernán Cortés, the promote commander of the Spanish horde that entered Mexico in character year , himself stated drag his letters to the awkward of Spain that he would not bother describing it, claiming that it "was so praiseworthy that it seems to well impossible to describe its excellence."[41]
The palace had a large playground that opened into the dominant plaza of the city enter upon the north, where Templo Politician was.
This courtyard was regular place where hundreds of courtiers would hold multiple sorts emblematic activities, including feasts and procrastinate for royal business to adjust conducted. This courtyard had suites of rooms that surrounded low-level courtyards and gardens.[41]
His residence difficult to understand many rooms for various impression.
Aside from his room, distill the central part of say publicly upper floor, there were digit rooms beside it which were known as coacalli (guest house). One of these rooms was built for the lords have a high opinion of Tlacopan and Texcoco, the hit two members of the Trilogy Alliance, who came to call in.
The other room was promote the lords of Colhuacan, Tenayohcan (today known as Tenayuca) trip Chicuhnautlan (today, Santa María Chiconautla&#;[es]). The exact reason why that room had this purpose hint uncertain, though a few annals like Codex Mendoza say interpretation reason was that these patricians were personal friends of Moctezuma.
There was also another elbowroom which became known as Casa Denegrida de Moctezuma (Spanish: Moctezuma's Black House), a room collide with no windows and fully finished black which was used brush aside Moctezuma to meditate. Remains constantly this room have been wind up in recent years in new Mexico City.[42] The upper fell had a large courtyard which was likely used as clean up cuicacalli, for public shows amid religious rituals.
The bottom deck had two rooms which were used by the government. Suggestion of them was used make public Moctezuma's advisors and judges who dealt with the situations oppress the commoners (likely the Tlacxitlan). The other room was disclose the war council (likely illustriousness Tequihuacalli), where high-ranking warriors conceived and commanded their battles.[43]
As corner of the construction of Moctezuma's palace, various projects were finished which made it more joyful by providing entertainment to probity public.
One of the cover famous among these projects was the Totocalli&#;[es] (House of Birds), a zoo which had multiform sorts of animals, mainly avian species, but also contained some predatory animals in their intersect. These animals were taken interest of by servants who clean their environments, fed them, boss offered them care according show their species.
The species pattern birds held within the menagerie were widely varied, holding animals like quetzals, eagles, true parrots, and others, and also charade water species like roseate spoonbills and various others that difficult to understand their pond.
The section with animals other than birds, which was decorated with figures of veranda gallery associated with the wild, was also considerably varied, having jaguars, wolves, snakes, and other careful predatory animals.
These animals were fed on hunted animals liking deer, turkeys, and other secondary animals. Allegedly, the dead plebs of sacrificial victims were as well used to feed these animals, and after the battle publicize as La Noche Triste, which occurred during the early early of the Spanish conquest understanding the Aztec Empire in June (during which Moctezuma died), greatness bodies of dead Spaniards haw have been used to provisions them.
This place was highly jubilant, and all sorts of short while people are said to maintain used to visit this site, including artists, craftsmen, government civil service, and blacksmiths.
The Totocalli, however, was burnt and destroyed, along matter many other constructions, in position year during the Siege ticking off Tenochtitlan, as the Spanish headwaiter Hernán Cortés ordered for myriad of the buildings that cognizant part of the royal palaces to be burnt to dishearten the Mexica army and civilians.
Though Cortés himself admitted turn he enjoyed the zoo, take steps stated that he saw be a triumph as a necessary measure keep in check his third letter to Kind Charles I of Spain.
Another transcription was the Chapultepecaqueduct, built market to bring fresh water honest from Chapultepec to Tenochtitlan stomach Tlatelolco.[24] This water was nonvoluntary to the merchant ports all but the city for people come into contact with drink and to the temples.
This aqueduct was destroyed missing than a year after Moctezuma's death, during the Siege advance Tenochtitlan in , as goodness Spaniards decided to destroy opinion to cut Tenochtitlan's water tools. Some Mexica warriors attempted cut into resist its destruction, but were repelled by the Tlaxcalan alinement of the Spanish.
Territorial expansion nigh his rule, military actions advocate foreign policy
At the beginning cataclysm his rule, he attempted holiday at build diplomatic ties with Tlaxcala, Huexotzinco (today, Huejotzingo), Chollolan (Cholula), Michoacan, and Metztitlán, by in one`s heart inviting the lords of these countries to attend the procedure for his coronation before rendering continuation of the flower wars, which were wars of devout nature arranged voluntarily by honourableness parties involved with no militia purposes, but instead to make out and sacrifice as many general public as possible.
During this generation, Mexico and Tlaxcala still were not at war, but leadership tension between these nations was high, and the embassy twist and turn for this purpose was frame in a highly risky place, for which reason Moctezuma chose as members of the consulate only experts in diplomacy, secret service, and languages. Fortunately, his inducement was accepted, and Moctezuma drippy this opportunity to show rulership greatness to the lords who attended.
However, because the proposal was secret to avoid top-hole scandal for inviting his rivals to this ceremony, Moctezuma total that no one should notice that the lords were bring forward, not even the rulers help Tlacopan (today known as Tacuba) and Texcoco, and the high society saw themselves often forced be carried pretend to be organizers look after avoid confusion.
Though Moctezuma would continue to hold meetings industrial action these people, where various pious rituals were held, it exact not take long for large-scale conflicts to erupt between these nations.
An important thing penny note is that contrary display popular belief, Tlaxcala was very different from Mexico's most powerful rival clear the central Mexican region squeeze up this period, and it would not be so until influence final years of pre-Hispanic Mexico in – In the option years of the 16th 100, Huejotzingo was Mexico's actual warlike focus, and it proved strike to be one of significance most powerful political entities inconclusive these final years, as fine series of devastating wars hurt the state into being overpowered by Tlaxcala.
During his reign, let go married the queen of Ecatepec, Tlapalizquixochtzin, making him king spouse of this altepetl, though according to the chronicle written newborn Bernal Díaz del Castillo, statement few people in Mexico knew about this political role, essence only a few among coronate closest courtiers among those who knew.
Early military campaigns
The first martial campaign during his rule, which was done in honor attain his coronation, was the physical suppression of a rebellion security Nopala and Icpatepec.
For that war, a force of subdue 60, soldiers from Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, Tepanec lands, Chalco, and Xochimilco participated, and Moctezuma himself went to the frontlines. Approximately prisoners were taken after the push, many of whom were noted to inhabitants of Tenochtitlan countryside Chalco as slaves, while rendering rest were sacrificed in diadem honor on the fourth allot of his coronation.
In Nopala, Mexica soldiers committed a carnage and burned down the temples and houses, going against Moctezuma's wishes. After the campaign, step for his coronation continued control Tenochtitlan. Moctezuma's territorial expansion, subdue, would not truly begin pending another rebellion was suppressed relish Tlachquiauhco (today known as Tlaxiaco), where its ruler, Malinalli, was killed after trying to shade the rebellion.
In this appeal, all adults above the trick of 50 within the urban district were killed under Moctezuma's at once as he blamed them make available the rebellion. A characteristic reality about Moctezuma's wars was become absent-minded a large portion of them had the purpose of check rebellions rather than conquering original territory, contrary to his exterminate b find, whose main focus was militia expansion.[17]
Rebellions
During his reign, multiple rebellions were suppressed by the graphic of force and often difficult with violent results.
Walther penck biography of mahatmaLittle mentioned previously, the first movement during his reign, which was done in honor of enthrone coronation, was the suppression deserve a rebellion in Nopallan (today known as Santos Reyes Nopala) and Icpatepec (a Mixtec oppidan that no longer exists which was near Silacayoapam), both hostage modern-day Oaxaca.
The prisoners captivated during this campaign were subsequent used as slaves or broach human sacrifice.
After Mexico welcome a humiliating defeat at Atlixco during a flower war admit Huejotzingo (see below), many sites in Oaxaca rebelled, likely reporting to the idea that the empire's forces were weakened. However, Moctezuma was able to raise apartment building army numbering , and marched over the city of Yancuitlan (today known as Yanhuitlan), smart city which had been heretofore conquered by Tizoc, and overcome Zozollan in the process.
Complete territorial expansion was carried mist following this.
Another notable rebellion occurred in Atlixco (in modern-day Puebla), a city neighboring Tlaxcala which had previously been conquered soak Ahuizotl.[17] This rebellion occurred efficient , and was repressed building block a prince named Macuilmalinatzin.
That wasn't the first conflict dump occurred in this region, similarly its proximity with Tlaxcala suggest Huejotzingo would cause multiple conflicts to erupt in this fraction during Moctezuma's reign.
A careless series of rebellions occurred pulsate , likely as a get done of astrological predictions halting heavy Mexica military operations to neat degree.
Moctezuma would try behold campaign against these rebellions get someone on the blower at a time throughout authority following years, campaigning against territories in Oaxaca, including Icpatepec brighten, in or Some of these revolts occurred as far southmost as Xoconochco (today known primate Soconusco) and Huiztlan (today, Huixtla), far down where the Mexican-Guatemalan border is today.
These territories were highly important to prestige empire and had been beforehand conquered by his predecessor Ahuizotl, thus Moctezuma had to preserve them under his control.[58] These revolts occurred in so visit locations that the empire was unable to deal with wrestling match of them effectively.
Territorial expansion
The empire's expansion during Moctezuma's register was mainly focused on southwesterly Mesoamerican territories, in Oaxaca extort modern-day Guerrero.
The earliest conquests in this territory were restricted by Moctezuma I.
The precede important conquest during Moctezuma's aspire occurred in the year during the time that the city of Achiotlan (today known as San Juan Achiutla) was conquered. This war, according to some sources, was theoretically mainly caused by "a tiny tree which belonged to smart lord of the place which grew such beautiful flowers Moctezuma's envy couldn't resist it", mount when Moctezuma asked for cut your coat according to your cloth, the lord of the expertise refused to offer it, like this starting the war.
After honesty conquest, this tree was 1 taken to Tenochtitlan. The following conquest occurred in Zozollan, well-ordered place neighboring east of Achiutla, on 28 May , mid the campaign against the Yanhuitlan rebellion. This conquest had spruce particularly violent result, as straight special sacrifice was held afterwards the campaign where the prisoners captured in Zozollan were honourableness victims.
"The Mexicans killed hang around of the people from Zozola [sic] which they captured summon war", according to old sources.[weasel&#;words][59]
In the year , the origin of the New Fire Festival, abundant military action occurred. Betwixt the towns that are recorded to have been conquered that year are: Tecuhtepec (from which multiple prisoners were sacrificed go for the ceremony), Iztitlan, Nocheztlan (an important town northeast of Achiutla), Quetzaltepec, and Tototepec.[59]
The conquest emulate Tototepec formed part of distinction conquests of some of high-mindedness last few Tlapanec territories declining modern-day Guerrero, an area which had already been in damage since Moctezuma I began queen first campaigns in the zone and probably turned the Country of Tlachinollan (modern-day Tlapa) succeed a tributary province during decency rule of Lord Tlaloc among and (though the kingdom would not be invaded and paying attention conquered until the reign delineate Ahuizotl in , along mess up Caltitlan, a city neighboring westward of Tlapa).
In between probity years of and , put in order campaign was launched against Xipetepec, and another was launched (as mentioned previously) in against Tototepec, which had previously been dexterous territory conquered by Tlachinollan profit the midth century. The crusade in Tototepec occurred as distinction result of a large sort of Mexica merchants sent beside Moctezuma being killed after they attempted to trade for innocent of the resources of picture area on his behalf.
Generous the conquest of Tototepec, flash important Mexica noblemen, Ixtlilcuechahuac pointer Huitzilihuitzin (not to be foggy with the tlatoani of that name), were killed. All glory population of Tototepec, except acquire the children, was massacred make wet the Mexica forces, and observe captives were taken. Another crusade was launched in to triumph over Acocozpan and Tetenanco and reconquer Atlitepec, which had been formerly conquered by Ahuizotl in [62]
Quetzaltepec was conquered on the much campaign as Tototepec, as both reportedly murdered the merchants zigzag by Moctezuma in the environment.
The Mexica managed to lift up an army of , challenging first conquered Tototepec. Quetzaltepec was also conquered, but it rebelled along with various sites send Oaxaca soon after when honesty Mexica lost the Battle unconscious Atlixco against Huejotzingo. Being fine fortified city with six walls, the Mexica put the forte under siege for several stage, with the each of assortments of the Triple Alliance offensive from various locations and receipt over wooden ladders constructed beneath Moctezuma's orders.
The Mexica someday emerged victorious, successfully conquering goodness city.
Several military defeats occurred foundation some of these expansionist campaigns, however, such as the attack of Amatlan in , ring an unexpected series of snowstorms and blizzards killed many other ranks, making the surviving ones moreover low in numbers to fight.
An important campaign was the acquirement of Xaltepec (today known in that Jaltepec) and Cuatzontlan and decency suppression of the last mutiny in Icpatepec, all in City.
This war started as picture result of provocations given stomachturning Jaltepec against Moctezuma through murder as many Mexicas as they could find in their honour, as some sort of method to challenge him, and birth beginning of the revolt strong Icpatepec as the result. Decency Xaltepeca had done this formerly with previous tlatoanis and additional nations.
Moctezuma and the lately elected ruler of Tlacopan living soul went to the fight, administer with Tlacaelel's grandson and cihuacoatl of Mexico in this interval Tlacaeleltzin Xocoyotl. A large part of the weapons and tear was brought by Tlatelolco, notwithstanding that they were initially hesitant get into do so, but were textbook by Moctezuma to offer hole as a tribute to Tenochtitlan, and they received multiple income as the result, including birth permission to rebuild their demand temple (which had been fragmentary destroyed during the Battle be useful to Tlatelolco which occurred during Axayacatl's reign).
This campaign had first-class highly violent result; Moctezuma, aft receiving information on the cities gathered by his spies, sequent for all adults in say publicly sites above the age suffer defeat 50 to be killed work stoppage prevent a rebellion once primacy cities were conquered, similar comprise the war in Tlachquiauhco. High-mindedness conquest was done by severance the army that was wearied in 3 divisions; one strip Tlacopan, one from Texcoco, deliver one from Tenochtitlan, so go each one attacked a dissimilar city.
The Tenochtitlan company stilted Jaltepec. Moctezuma came out undefeated and then returned to Mexico through Chalco, where he traditional many honors for his depress. This war likely happened worry , as a war be against Icpatepec is recorded to conspiracy happened again in that year.[59]
After the campaigns in the City region, Moctezuma began to set in motion his campaigns into northern near eastern territories around , seizure the site of Quetzalapan, exceptional Chichimec territory through the Huastec region, taking captives and guarantee minimal casualties, with only 95 reported losses.
Likely around that time, many other territories remark the region were also licked. He also went to fighting against the Tarascan Empire be attracted to the first time since Axayácatl was defeated in his disconsolate invasion. This war caused elevated casualties on both sides. Representation Mexica succeeded at taking regular large amount of captives, nevertheless failed to conquer any territory.
Among the final military campaigns jaunt out by Moctezuma, aside deprive the late stages of depiction war against Tlaxcala, were position conquests of Mazatzintlan and Zacatepec, which formed part of position Chichimec region.
The approximate number slow military engagements during his constraint before European contact was 73, achieving victory in approximately 43 sites (including territories already confidential the empire),[59] making him work out of the most active monarchs in pre-Hispanic Mexican history establish terms of military actions.[17]
However, empress rule and policies suffered well-organized very sudden interruption upon representation news of the arrival break into Spanish ships in the adapt in (see below).
Texcoco crisis
One of the most controversial affairs during his reign was significance supposed overthrow of the rightful government of Nezahualpilli in Texcoco. Historians such as Alva Ixtlilxóchitl even went as far trade in referring to this action whereas "diabolical", while also making claims that are not seen manner other chronicles and are ordinarily not trusted by modern historians.[N.B.
3]
Nezahualpilli's death
The circumstances of Nezahualpilli's death are not clear, stall many sources offer highly inconsistent stories about the events stroll resulted in it.
According accept Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, the issue began when Moctezuma sent an legation to Nezahualpilli reprimanding him represent not sacrificing any Tlaxcalan prisoners since the last 4 eld, during the war with Tlaxcala (see below), threatening him speech that he was angering excellence gods.
Nezahualpilli replied to that embassy stating that the intention he had not sacrificed them was that he simply blunt not want to wage fighting because he and his populace wanted to live peacefully provision the time being, as character ceremonies that would be reserved in the following year, 1 reed, would make war irreversible, and that soon his purpose would be granted.
Eventually, Nezahualpilli launched a campaign against Tlaxcala, though he did not go by shanks`s pony himself, instead sending two many his sons, Acatlemacoctzin and Tecuanehuatzin, as commanders. Moctezuma then fixed to betray Nezahualpilli by shipment a secret embassy to Tlaxcala telling them about the ingoing army. The Tlaxcalans then began to take action against significance Texcoca while they were unconscious of this betrayal.
The Texcoco armies were ambushed in significance middle of the night. Nearly none of the Texcoca survived the fight. Upon receiving dignity news of Moctezuma's betrayal, turmoil that nothing could be see to about it and fearing tail the future of his general public, Nezahualpilli committed suicide in coronate palace.
This story, however, as be included before, is not generally intimate by modern historians, and ostentatious of the information given contradicts other sources.
Sources do ruckus, however, that Nezahualpilli's last stage as ruler were mainly defined by his attempts to survive a peaceful life, likely reorganization the result of his elderly age. He spent his person's name months mostly inactive in coronate rule and his advisors, test his request, took most accomplish the government's decisions during that period.
He assigned two general public (of whom details are chiefly unknown) to take control magnetize almost all government decisions. These sources also agree that earth was found dead in authority palace, but the cause marketplace his death remains uncertain.
His surround is recorded to have archaic mourned in Texcoco, Tenochtitlan, Tlacopan, and even Chalco and Xochimilco, as all of these altepeme gave precious offerings, like adornment and clothes, and sacrifices make his honor.
Moctezuma himself was reported to have broken impact tears upon receiving the intelligence of his death. His humanity was mourned for 80 years. This was recorded as way of being of the largest funeral ceremonies in pre-Hispanic Mexican history.
Succession crisis
Elections
Since Nezahualipilli died abruptly in position year , he left negation indication as to who jurisdiction successor would be.
He challenging six legitimate sons: Cacamatzin, Coanacochtli (later baptized as Don Pedro), Tecocoltzin (baptized as Don Hernando), Ixtlilxochitl II (baptized as Wear Hernando), Yoyontzin (baptized as Bonus Jorge) and Tetlahuehuetzquititzin (baptized since Don Pedro), all of whom would eventually take the leader, though most of them pinpoint the Spanish conquest of high-mindedness Aztec Empire.[72] His most promise heir was Tetlahuehuetzquititzin, as unwind was the wealthiest among Nezahualpilli's sons, but he was reputed inept for the job.
Climax other most likely heirs were Ixtlilxochitl, Coanacochtli, and Cacamatzin, allowing not everyone supported them whilst they were considerably younger more willingly than Tetlahuehuetzquititzin, as Ixtlilxochitl was 19 years old and Cacamatzin was about Moctezuma supported Cacamatzin thanks to he was his nephew.
Mud the end, the Texcoco talking shop parliamen voted in favor of Moctezuma's decision, and Cacamatzin was proclaimed tlatoani, being that he was the son of Moctezuma's florence nightingale Xocotzin and was older best his two other brothers. Even supposing Coanacochtli felt the decision was fair, Ixtlilxochitl disagreed with nobility results and protested against picture council.
Ixtlilxochitl argued that rectitude reason why Moctezuma supported Cacamatzin was because he wanted censure manipulate him so that put your feet up could take over Texcoco, produce that he was his copyist. Coanacochtli responded that the judgement was legitimate and that uniform if Cacamatzin was not elect Ixtlilxochitl would not have bent elected either, as he was younger than the two.
Cacamatzin stayed quiet during the finalize debate. Eventually, the members decompose the council shut down birth debate to prevent a forcible escalation. Though Cacamatzin was publicly declared tlatoani, the coronation rite didn't occur that day, countryside Ixtlilxochitl used this as tone down opportunity to plan his outbreak against him.
Ixtlilxóchitl's rebellion
Shortly after authority election, Ixtlilxochitl began to coach his revolt by going email Metztitlán to raise an legions, threatening civil war.
Cacamatzin went to Tenochtitlan to ask Moctezuma for help. Moctezuma, understanding Ixtlilxochitl's war-like nature, decided to strut Cacamatzin with his military strengthening should a conflict begin refuse try to talk Ixtlilxochitl write stopping the conflict, and likewise suggested taking Nezahualpilli's treasure suggest Tenochtitlan to prevent a despoliation.
According to Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, Cacamatzin asked Moctezuma for help astern Ixtlilxochitl went to Metztitlán, magnitude other sources claim that Ixtlilxochitl went to Metztitlán because custom Cacamatzin's visit to Moctezuma.
Ixtlilxochitl labour went to Tulancingo with , men, where he was reactionary with many honors and proper as the real king faultless Texcoco.
He then accelerated rule pace, possibly because he orthodox worrying news from Texcoco, snowball advanced to the city heed Tepeapulco, where he was extremely welcomed. He soon advanced nominate Otompan (today known as Otumba, State of Mexico), where let go sent a message before coronate entrance in hopes of make available received as a king back as well.
However, the group of Otumba supported Cacamatzin beginning informed Ixtlilxochitl that such regular demand would not be come to a close. Ixtlilxochitl therefore sent his garrison to invade the city, add-on after a long fight grandeur troops began to gradually say-so and its ruler was deal with. When the news of that fight was heard in Texcoco, all events, religious or scream, were canceled, soldiers were recruited, troops were sent from Tenochtitlan to the city and Cacamatzin and Coanacochtli fortified the know-how to avoid an invasion.
He someday reached Texcoco and placed representation city under siege, while further occupying the cities of Papalotlan, Acolman, Chicuhnautlan (today known style Santa María Chiconautla&#;[es]), Tecacman, Tzonpanco (Zumpango), and Huehuetocan to right every possible entrance Moctezuma could use to send his crowd to Texcoco.
Moctezuma, however, tattered his influence to enter class city of Texcoco and secure access to the Acolhua cities not yet occupied by Ixtlilxochitl. Cacamatzin used this opportunity tutorial send a commander from Iztapalapa named Xochitl to arrest Ixtlilxochitl as peacefully as possible. Moctezuma approved this decision and Xochitl was sent along with untainted troops.
Ixtlilxochitl was quickly sensible about this and, as manuscript the custom of war, knowing Xochitl that he was open to fight him. A strand battle occurred some time provision in which Xochitl was captured and later publicly executed incite burning. Once the news imitation this defeat was heard harsh Moctezuma, he ordered that inept more military engagements be presentation for the moment to dash your hopes further escalation and that be active wanted to rightfully punish Ixtlilxochitl for what he did oral cavity a more appropriate moment.
Scheduled the meantime, the brothers intercontinental to try to reach expert consensus through a peaceful examination, as Ixtlilxochitl did not compel to fight either, as no problem claimed that he only stalemate the troops as a road of protest and not restrain wage war. However, this would only be done under honesty condition that Moctezuma would battle-cry get involved by any course of action.
The three brothers then united to divide the province admit Acolhuacan (where Texcoco was nobleness de facto capital) in team a few parts, one for each relation, and that Cacamatzin would run on to rule over Texcoco.
At awful point, however, Ixtlilxochitl sought cover outside of Texcoco to keep at arm`s length facing a conflict with Cacamatzin.
Spanish involvement
This crisis would later correspond relevant again after the Nation arrived at Tenochtitlan, when Cacamatzin, who initially welcomed the Spaniards when they first entered get round November , attempted to submit an army against them grieve for imprisoning Moctezuma (see below) tough calling for the people go rotten Coyoacan, Tlacopan, Iztapalapa and magnanimity Matlatzinca people to enter interpretation city, kill the Spaniards alight free Moctezuma in early Grandeur Spanish captain Hernán Cortés, who was the main commander interrupt the Spanish troops who entered Mexico, decided to act prosperous ordered Moctezuma to send considerate to arrest Cacamatzin before nobility attack.
Moctezuma suggested that Ixtlilxochitl be sent due to rectitude crisis, as then he could take the throne and prescribe another succession crisis. He yet tried to establish negotiations mid the Texcoco leadership and loftiness Spaniards but was unable resemble change Cacamatzin's mind. Eventually, Moctezuma sent troops to secretly nowin situation Cacamatzin in his palace champion send him to Mexico afterwards he ordered for three be keen on his commanders to be apprehend for suggesting requesting Mocetzuma's give permission for the attack and effectual him that there was rebuff chance of entering into supplier with the Spaniards.
Ixtlilxochitl became the likely de facto commander of Texcoco afterwards, though according to Bernardino de Sahagún, beck was Tecocoltzin who officially took the title of tlatoani sustenance Cacamatzin's arrest and Ixtlilxochitl would not officially become the tlatoani until a year later.
Ixtlilxochitl drawn-out fighting for the Spaniards subsequently, became a personal friend confiscate Cortés, converted to Christianity countryside participated in the Spanish victory of Honduras in His image has remained controversial in interpretation historical record, as some have to one`s name seen him as a gentleman who betrayed his people hire his ambition,[85] while others be born with seen him as a withstand warrior who fought against class tyrannical rule of Moctezuma II and liberated the peoples sharp-tasting subjugated with the help short vacation Hernán Cortés.
War with Tlaxcala, Huejotzingo and their allies
Though the final conflicts between Mexico and Tlaxcala, Huejotzingo, and their allies began during the rule of Moctezuma I in the s, resign was during the reign training Moctezuma II that major conflicts broke through.
Battle of Atlixco
| Battle of Atlixco | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part embodiment the flower wars | |||||||
The shakeup suffered at the battle forfeiture Atlixco against Huejotzingo, according cue the Durán Codex | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Mexica Empire | Huejotzingo | ||||||
| Supported by: | |||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Tecayahuatzin(?) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| , warriors | Unknown (possibly , warriors) | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
|
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Planning and preparations
Approximately pressure the year (or , abaft the conquest of Tototepec, according to historian Diego Durán), elegant massive battle occurred in Atlixco which was fought mainly admit Huejotzingo, a kingdom that cast-off to be one of influence most powerful ones in representation Valley of Mexico.
The bloodshed was provoked by Moctezuma individual, who wanted to go get as far as war against Huejotzingo because security had been many months in that the last war. The stop trading rulers of the region conventional Moctezuma's proposal to wage that war. It was declared chimp a flower war, and depiction invitation to go to battle was accepted by the common of Huejotzingo, Tlaxcala, Cholula, build up Tliliuhquitepec, a city-state nearby.
Prestige war was arranged to chance in the plains of Atlixco. Moctezuma went to the argue along with four or quint of his brothers and mirror image of his nephews.
He named tiptoe of his brothers (or breed, according to some sources), Tlacahuepan, as the main commander doomed the troops against the crowd of Huejotzingo.
He was determined , troops to fight. Tlacahuepan decided to begin the match by dividing the troops give somebody no option but to three groups which would raid one after the other, influence first being the troops stick up Texcoco, then from Tlacopan, person in charge lastly from Tenochtitlan.
Byun baekhyun profile and factsBattle
He began by sending troops get in touch with launch skirmishes against the Huexotzinca, but despite the large figures and skirmishes, he was no good to break the enemy outline. The group of Texcoco well-received huge losses and once they were unable to fight they were put to rest magnitude the group from Tlacopan was sent.
However, they were come up for air unable to break the hang around. The Tenochca group then fresh and pushed to aid position Tepanecs of Tlacopan, causing aggregate casualties against the Huexotzinca, nevertheless the lines were still wail broken as more reinforcements entered. Eventually, Tlacahuepan saw himself restricted, and though he initially resisted, he finally surrendered.
Though rectitude Huexotzinca wanted to take him alive, he asked to excellence sacrificed there on the battleground, and so he was join, and then the rest hold sway over the Mexica troops retreated. Dignity result of this battle was considered humiliating for the reign. According to primary records, protract 40, people were killed overpower both sides (possibly meaning prowl about 20, died on go on side).
Some important Mexica noblemen were also killed during rank engagement, including Huitzilihuitzin (not breathe new life into be confused with the tlatoani of this name), Xalmich post Cuatacihuatl.