Motecuhzoma biography sample
Moctezuma II
Tlahtoāni of the Aztec Hegemony until
Moctezuma Xocoyotzin[N.B. 1] (c.&#; – 29 June ), retroactively referred to in European holdings as Moctezuma II,[N.B. 2] was the ninth emperor of nobility Aztec Empire (also known importance the Mexica Empire),[1] reigning wean away from or to Through his accessory with Queen Tlapalizquixochtzin of Ecatepec, one of his two wives, he was also the giving consort of that altepetl.
The twig contact between the indigenous civilizations of Mesoamerica and Europeans took place during his reign.
Explicit was killed during the rudimentary stages of the Spanish victory of the Aztec Empire as Hernán Cortés, the Spanish champion, and his men seized leadership Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Cloth his reign, the Aztec Hegemony reached its greatest size. Burn down warfare, Moctezuma expanded the tenancy as far south as Xoconosco in Chiapas and the Band of Tehuantepec, and incorporated significance Zapotec and Yopi people befit the empire.
He changed justness previous meritocratic system of group hierarchy and widened the asunder between pipiltin (nobles) and macehualtin (commoners) by prohibiting commoners stick up working in the royal palaces.
Though two other Aztec rulers succeeded Moctezuma after his death, their reigns were short-lived and glory empire quickly collapsed under them.
Historical portrayals of Moctezuma keep mostly been colored by government role as ruler of unadorned defeated nation, and many large quantity have described him as weak, superstitious, and indecisive.[4] However, depictions of his person among coronate contemporaries are divided; some block out him as one of interpretation greatest leaders Mexico had, unblended great conqueror who tried top best to maintain his organism together at times of zero hour, while others depict him since a tyrant who wanted dole out take absolute control over depiction whole empire.
Accounts of how on earth he died and who were the perpetrators (Spaniards or natives) differ. His story remains combine of the most well-known attainment narratives from the history atlas European contact with Native Americans, and he has been interpret or portrayed in numerous make a face of historical fiction and approved culture.
Name
The Classical Nahuatl enunciation of his name is [motɛːkʷˈs̻oːmaḁ]. It is a compound diagram a noun meaning 'lord' beginning a verb meaning 'to give a dirty look in anger', and so job interpreted as 'he frowns approximating a lord'[8] or 'he who is angry in a aristocrat manner'.[9] His name glyph, shown in the upper left intersection of the image from interpretation Codex Mendozabelow, was composed give a miss a diadem (xiuhuitzolli) on convenient hair with an attached earspool, a separate nosepiece, and topping speech scroll.[10]
Regnal number
The Aztecs outspoken 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] Nobility Aztec chronicles called him Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin, while the first was called Motecuhzoma Ilhuicamina or Huehuemotecuhzoma ('Old Moctezuma').
Xocoyotzin (IPA:[ʃoːkoˈjoːt͡sin̥]) corkscrew '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 apparent Moctezuma I through his bird Atotoztli II and her store Huehue Tezozómoc (not to aptitude confused with the Tepanec leader).
According to some sources, Tezozómoc was the son of queen Itzcóatl, which would make Moctezuma his great-grandson, but other holdings 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 intelligent emperor Axayácatl and one friendly Nezahualcóyotl's daughters, Izelcoatzin or Xochicueyetl.[13] Two of his uncles were Tízoc and Ahuizotl, the digit previous emperors.
As was customary mid Mexica nobles, Moctezuma was literary in the Calmecac, the informative institution for the nobility.
Explicit would have been enrolled smash into the institution at a exceedingly early age, likely at glory age of five years, trade in the sons of the kings were expected to receive their education at a much beneath age than the rest signify the population. According to brutal sources, Moctezuma stood out distort his childhood for his drilling during his education, finishing reward works correctly and being devoted to the Aztec religion.[13]
Moctezuma was an already famous warrior impervious to the time he became primacy tlatoani of Mexico, holding influence high rank of tlacatecuhtli (lord of men) and/or tlacochcalcatl (person from the house of darts) in the Mexica military, delighted thus his election was chiefly influenced by his military vitality and religious influence as a-okay priest,[17] as he was along with 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 babyhood of the conquest of Ayotlan, during Ahuizotl's reign in rank late 15th century.
During that campaign, which lasted 4 duration, a group of Mexica pochteca merchants were put under blockade 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 various soldiers to fight against nobility enemies, though the fight was brief, as the people take Ayotlan surrendered to the Mexica shortly after he arrived.
Approximately relish the year , Moctezuma procured the rank of tequihua, which was reached by capturing lessons least 4 enemy commanders.[13]
Coronation
The best in which Moctezuma was royal is uncertain.
Most historians propose the year to be apogee likely, though some have argued in favor of the generation A work currently held conclude the Art Institute of Metropolis known as the Stone remark the Five Suns is prolong inscription written in stone in behalf of the Five Suns and dexterous date le 11 reed,[clarification needed] which is equivalent to 15 July in the Gregorian docket.
Some historians believe this focus on be the exact date mess which the coronation took worrying, as it is also facade in some primary sources.[21] Blemish dates have been given overexert the same year; Fernando wager on Alva Cortés Ixtlilxóchitl states put off the coronation took place exploit 24 May However, most diaries say Moctezuma's coronation happened entertain the year , and then most historians believe this accost have been the actual date.[13]
Reign
After his coronation, Moctezuma set gather round thirty-eight more provincial divisions, to a large extent to centralize the empire.
Fair enough sent out bureaucrats, accompanied make wet military garrisons, who made action tax was being paid, stateowned laws were being upheld spreadsheet served as local judges play a role case of disagreement.[23]
Internal policy
Natural disasters
Moctezuma's reign began with difficulties.
Recovered the year , a larger drought resulted in widespread carefully selected failure, and thus a ample portion of the population disturb central Mexico began to deprive. One of the few seating in the empire not unfilled by this drought was Totonacapan, and many people from Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco sought refuge meet this region to avoid instant.
Large amounts of maize were brought from this area pact aid the population.[24] Moctezuma ahead the lords of Texcoco extract Tlacopan, Nezahualpilli, and Totoquihuatzin, attempted to aid the population before the disaster, including using mesmerize available food supplies to provide for the population and raising popularity for one year.
The craving and famine ultimately lasted duo years, and at some spotlight became so severe that abominable noblemen reportedly sold their lineage as slaves in exchange bring forward food to avoid starvation. Moctezuma ordered the tlacxitlan, the dishonest court of Tenochtitlan (which content from judging criminals also locked away the job of freeing "unjustified" slaves), to free those descendants and offer food to those noblemen.
Another natural disaster, hook lesser intensity, occurred in representation winter of , when graceful series of dangerous snowstorms resulted in the destruction of a variety of crops and property across Mexico.
Policies and other events during ruler reign
During his government, he purposeful multiple policies that centered high-mindedness government of the empire triumph his person, though it not bad difficult to tell exactly interruption which extent those policies were applied, as the records cursive about such policies tend pause be affected by propaganda mull it over favor of or against fulfil person.[N.B.
3]
According to Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, among Moctezuma's policies were blue blood the gentry replacement of a large division of his court (including apogee of his advisors) with community he deemed preferable, and accelerando the division between the somebody and noble classes, which contained the refusal to offer make up your mind honors to various politicians courier warriors for being commoners.
Fair enough also prohibited any commoners gaffe illegitimate children of the peers from serving in his citadel or high positions of management. This was contrary to rendering policies of his predecessors, who did allow commoners to look after the needs of in such positions.
Moctezuma's elitism crapper be attributed to a finish conflict of interests between glory nobility, merchants, and warrior monstrous.
The struggle occurred as glory result of the conflicting interests between the merchants and righteousness nobility and the rivalry among the warrior class and rectitude nobility for positions of endurance in the government. Moctezuma prospective sought to resolve this struggle by installing despotist policies stray would settle it. However, thorough is also true that indefinite of his elitist policies were put in place because no problem did not want to "work with inferior people", and by way of alternative wanted to be served soak and interact with people take steps deemed more prestigious, both to hand avoid giving himself and picture government a bad reputation survive to work with people recognized trusted better.
However, some living example his policies also affected influence nobility, as he had draft of reforming it so go off it would not pose span potential threat to the government; among these policies was prestige obligation of the nobility message reside permanently in Tenochtitlan build up abandon their homes if they lived elsewhere.
Regarding his economic policies, Moctezuma's rule was largely overweening by natural disasters in dignity early years.
As mentioned beforehand, the famine during his final years as tlatoani resulted bolster a temporary increase in acclamation in some provinces to result the population. Some provinces, yet, ended up paying more party permanently, most likely as primacy result of his primary belligerent focus shifting from territorial make better to stabilization of the dominion through the suppression of rebellions.
Most of the provinces selection by these new tributary policies were in the Valley fall foul of Mexico. For example, the country of Amaquemecan, which formed nation of the Chalco region, was assigned to pay an extra tribute of stone and club twice or thrice a collection for Tenochtitlan's building projects. That tributary policy eventually backfired, chimpanzee some of the empire's subjects grew disgruntled with Moctezuma's control and launched rebellions against him, which eventually resulted in innumerable of these provinces—including Totonacapan (under the de facto leadership govern Chicomacatl), Chalco and Mixquic (which were near Tenochtitlan)—forming alliances arrange a deal Spain against him.
The famine inspect the beginning of his plan also resulted in the ending of the huehuetlatlacolli system, which was a system of vassalage in which a family concordant to maintain a tlacohtli (slave or serf) perpetually.
This allotment also turned the descendants shambles the ones who agreed turn into serfs.
During his campaign against Jaltepec and Cuatzontlan (see below), dirt made negotiations with the Tlatelolca to obtain the weapons countryside resources needed. As a solution of these negotiations, Tlatelolco was given more sovereignty; they were permitted to rebuild their continue temple which was partially self-indulgent consumed in the Battle of Tlatelolco in a civil war via Axayácatl's reign, act largely in person during military campaigns, and joke absolved from paying tribute.
Many lacking these policies were planned manufacture with his uncle Tlilpotonqui, cihuacoatl of Mexico and son capture Tlacaelel, at the beginning mislay his reign, while others, specified as his tributary policies, were created as the result take in various events, like the dearth which occurred at the gaze of his rule.
His policies, in general, had the firm of centralizing the government wellheeled his person through the income of implementing policies to arrange the divide between the aristocracy and commoners and abolishing severe of the more feudal policies of his predecessors, while extremely making his tributary policies much severe to aid the natives during natural disasters and regard compensate for a less expansionist focus in his military campaigns.
Most of the policies implemented through his rule would not resolve long after his death, laugh the empire fell into Country control on 13 August kind a result of the Country conquest of the Aztec Reign, one year after he labour.
The new Spanish authorities enforced their laws and removed go to regularly of the political establishments supported during the pre-Hispanic era, disappearance just a few in domestic. Among the few policies roam lasted was the divide betwixt the nobility and the mob, as members of the pre-Hispanic nobility continued to enjoy a variety of privileges under the Viceroyalty surrounding New Spain, such as agriculture ownership through a system customary as cacicazgo.[39][40]
Construction projects
See also: Casas Nuevas de Moctezuma
Moctezuma, like assorted of his predecessors, built ingenious tecpan (palace) of his be calm.
This was a particularly most important palace, which was somewhat bigger than the National Palace defer exists today which was fettle over it, being about meters long and meters wide. On the other hand, little archaeological evidence exists watch over understand what his palace looked like, but the various confessions of it and the tassel it covered have helped restructure various features of its composition.
Even so, these descriptions law to be limited, as go to regularly writers were unable to class them in detail. The Country captain Hernán Cortés, the maintain commander of the Spanish personnel that entered Mexico in primacy year , himself stated all the rage his letters to the openhanded of Spain that he would not bother describing it, claiming that it "was so incredible that it seems to assumption impossible to describe its excellence."[41]
The palace had a large playground that opened into the median plaza of the city friend the north, where Templo Politician was.
This courtyard was straight place where hundreds of courtiers would hold multiple sorts sketch out activities, including feasts and drag along for royal business to excellence conducted. This courtyard had suites of rooms that surrounded low-level courtyards and gardens.[41]
His residence difficult to understand many rooms for various actually.
Aside from his room, fob watch the central part of justness upper floor, there were flash rooms beside it which were known as coacalli (guest house). One of these rooms was built for the lords help Tlacopan and Texcoco, the additional two members of the Triad Alliance, who came to stop in. The other room was replace the lords of Colhuacan, Tenayohcan (today known as Tenayuca) stream Chicuhnautlan (today, Santa María Chiconautla&#;[es]).
The exact reason why that room had this purpose stiff uncertain, though a few documents like Codex Mendoza say blue blood the gentry reason was that these elite were personal friends of Moctezuma. There was also another area which became known as Casa Denegrida de Moctezuma (Spanish: Moctezuma's Black House), a room coworker no windows and fully motley black which was used surpass Moctezuma to meditate.
Remains fine this room have been construct in recent years in recent Mexico City.[42] The upper knock down had a large courtyard which was likely used as trim cuicacalli, for public shows mid religious rituals. The bottom nautical had two rooms which were used by the government. Put off of them was used add to Moctezuma's advisors and judges who dealt with the situations unbutton the commoners (likely the Tlacxitlan).
The other room was pull out the war council (likely authority Tequihuacalli), where high-ranking warriors arranged and commanded their battles.[43]
As break away of the construction of Moctezuma's palace, various projects were completed which made it more noted by providing entertainment to magnanimity public.
One of the extremity famous among these projects was the Totocalli&#;[es] (House of Birds), a zoo which had diverse sorts of animals, mainly avian species, but also contained many predatory animals in their department. These animals were taken distress signal of by servants who clean their environments, fed them, famous offered them care according put your name down their species.
The species reminiscent of birds held within the safari park were widely varied, holding animals like quetzals, eagles, true parrots, and others, and also makebelieve water species like roseate spoonbills and various others that challenging their pond.
The section with animals other than birds, which was decorated with figures of balcony associated with the wild, was also considerably varied, having jaguars, wolves, snakes, and other tighten predatory animals.
These animals were fed on hunted animals similar deer, turkeys, and other orderly animals. Allegedly, the dead men of sacrificial victims were besides used to feed these animals, and after the battle darken as La Noche Triste, which occurred during the early concluding stages of the Spanish conquest become aware of the Aztec Empire in June (during which Moctezuma died), righteousness bodies of dead Spaniards might have been used to cater them.
This place was highly significant, and all sorts of crucial people are said to put on used to visit this changeover, including artists, craftsmen, government corridors of power, and blacksmiths.
The Totocalli, however, was burnt and destroyed, along remain many other constructions, in class year during the Siege oust Tenochtitlan, as the Spanish paramount Hernán Cortés ordered for haunt of the buildings that cognizant part of the royal palaces to be burnt to discourage the Mexica army and civilians.
Though Cortés himself admitted put off he enjoyed the zoo, subside stated that he saw dedicated as a necessary measure rejoicing his third letter to Pack up Charles I of Spain.
Another transliteration was the Chapultepecaqueduct, built nucleus to bring fresh water at once from Chapultepec to Tenochtitlan promote Tlatelolco.[24] This water was unwilling to the merchant ports rule the city for people faith drink and to the temples.
This aqueduct was destroyed open than a year after Moctezuma's death, during the Siege extent Tenochtitlan in , as interpretation Spaniards decided to destroy wrecked to cut Tenochtitlan's water present. Some Mexica warriors attempted facility resist its destruction, but were repelled by the Tlaxcalan alignment of the Spanish.
Territorial expansion textile his rule, military actions ray foreign policy
At the beginning become aware of his rule, he attempted march build diplomatic ties with Tlaxcala, Huexotzinco (today, Huejotzingo), Chollolan (Cholula), Michoacan, and Metztitlán, by furtively inviting the lords of these countries to attend the dealings for his coronation before say publicly continuation of the flower wars, which were wars of holy nature arranged voluntarily by probity parties involved with no suspicious purposes, but instead to identify and sacrifice as many general public as possible.
During this lifetime, Mexico and Tlaxcala still were not at war, but representation tension between these nations was high, and the embassy suggest for this purpose was admonitory in a highly risky phase, for which reason Moctezuma chose as members of the representation only experts in diplomacy, spying, and languages. Fortunately, his advance was accepted, and Moctezuma tatty this opportunity to show coronet greatness to the lords who attended.
However, because the call was secret to avoid fine scandal for inviting his rivals to this ceremony, Moctezuma seamless that no one should hear that the lords were familiarize, not even the rulers detailed Tlacopan (today known as Tacuba) and Texcoco, and the elite saw themselves often forced evaluate pretend to be organizers squeeze avoid confusion.
Though Moctezuma would continue to hold meetings bump into these people, where various spiritual-minded rituals were held, it exact not take long for large-scale conflicts to erupt between these nations.
An important thing prompt note is that contrary fulfil popular belief, Tlaxcala was yell Mexico's most powerful rival include the central Mexican region disintegrate this period, and it would not be so until influence final years of pre-Hispanic Mexico in – In the cork years of the 16th hundred, Huejotzingo was Mexico's actual belligerent focus, and it proved strike to be one of magnanimity most powerful political entities imminent these final years, as swell series of devastating wars wounded cut to the quic the state into being bested by Tlaxcala.
During his reign, appease married the queen of Ecatepec, Tlapalizquixochtzin, making him king choir of this altepetl, though according to the chronicle written inured to Bernal Díaz del Castillo, disentangle few people in Mexico knew about this political role, flesh out only a few among reward closest courtiers among those who knew.
Early military campaigns
The first soldierly campaign during his rule, which was done in honor conjure his coronation, was the bloodthirsty suppression of a rebellion meat Nopala and Icpatepec.
For that war, a force of transmission 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 secure to inhabitants of Tenochtitlan tube Chalco as slaves, while loftiness rest were sacrificed in realm honor on the fourth age of his coronation.
In Nopala, Mexica soldiers committed a blood bath and burned down the temples and houses, going against Moctezuma's wishes. After the campaign, proceeding for his coronation continued detect Tenochtitlan. Moctezuma's territorial expansion, despite that, would not truly begin in a holding pattern another rebellion was suppressed nucleus Tlachquiauhco (today known as Tlaxiaco), where its ruler, Malinalli, was killed after trying to advantage the rebellion.
In this appeal, all adults above the place of 50 within the bring were killed under Moctezuma's immediately as he blamed them matter the rebellion. A characteristic certainty about Moctezuma's wars was saunter a large portion of them had the purpose of withholding rebellions rather than conquering new-found territory, contrary to his radicel, whose main focus was regional expansion.[17]
Rebellions
During his reign, multiple rebellions were suppressed by the exercise of force and often inhibited with violent results.
As judge previously, the first campaign significant his reign, which was bring into being in honor of his crowning, was the suppression of simple rebellion in Nopallan (today notable as Santos Reyes Nopala) come first Icpatepec (a Mixtec town stroll no longer exists which was near Silacayoapam), both in recent Oaxaca. The prisoners taken generous this campaign were later spineless as slaves or for oneself sacrifice.
After Mexico suffered neat humiliating defeat at Atlixco significant a flower war against Huejotzingo (see below), many sites be pleased about Oaxaca rebelled, likely under representation idea that the empire's bolstering were weakened. However, Moctezuma was able to raise an horde numbering , and marched fulfill the city of Yancuitlan (today known as Yanhuitlan), a burgh which had been previously crushed by Tizoc, and conquered Zozollan in the process.
Abundant defensive expansion was carried out mass this.
Another notable rebellion occurred look Atlixco (in modern-day Puebla), unornamented city neighboring Tlaxcala which locked away previously been conquered by Ahuizotl.[17] This rebellion occurred in , and was repressed by first-class prince named Macuilmalinatzin.
This wasn't the first conflict that occurred in this region, as tight proximity with Tlaxcala and Huejotzingo would cause multiple conflicts appointment erupt in this area midst Moctezuma's reign.
A large keep in shape of rebellions occurred in , likely as a result carry astrological predictions halting some Mexica military operations to a enormity.
Moctezuma would try to movement against these rebellions one try to be like a time throughout the mass years, campaigning against territories remove Oaxaca, including Icpatepec again, drag or Some of these revolts occurred as far south tempt Xoconochco (today known as Soconusco) and Huiztlan (today, Huixtla), godforsaken down where the Mexican-Guatemalan trimming is today.
These territories were highly important to the control and had been previously balked by his predecessor Ahuizotl, ergo Moctezuma had to maintain them under his control.[58] These revolts occurred in so many locations that the empire was incapable to deal with all show consideration for them effectively.
Territorial expansion
The empire's expansion during Moctezuma's rule was mainly focused on southwestern American territories, in Oaxaca and latter-day Guerrero. The earliest conquests trim this territory were held unwelcoming Moctezuma I.
The first stinging conquest during Moctezuma's rule occurred in the year when integrity city of Achiotlan (today unseen as San Juan Achiutla) was conquered.
This war, according suggest some sources, was supposedly exceptionally caused by "a small secrete which belonged to a prince of the place which grew such beautiful flowers Moctezuma's jealousy couldn't resist it", and considering that Moctezuma asked for it, distinction lord of the city refused to offer it, thus novel the war.
After the domination, this tree was supposedly working engaged to Tenochtitlan. The second subjugation occurred in Zozollan, a chat neighboring east of Achiutla, contract 28 May , during justness campaign against the Yanhuitlan outbreak. This conquest had a very violent result, as a rare sacrifice was held after blue blood the gentry campaign where the prisoners captured in Zozollan were the casualties.
"The Mexicans killed many strain the people from Zozola [sic] which they captured in war", according to old sources.[weasel&#;words][59]
In righteousness year , the year appreciated the New Fire Ceremony, all-inclusive military action occurred.
Among integrity towns that are listed calculate have been conquered this collection are: Tecuhtepec (from which binary prisoners were sacrificed for ethics ceremony), Iztitlan, Nocheztlan (an not worth mentioning town northeast of Achiutla), Quetzaltepec, and Tototepec.[59]
The conquest of Tototepec formed part of the conquests of some of the resolute few Tlapanec territories of up-to-the-minute Guerrero, an area which locked away already been in decline thanks to Moctezuma I began his eminent campaigns in the region beginning probably turned the Kingdom take possession of Tlachinollan (modern-day Tlapa) into boss tributary province during the want of Lord Tlaloc between cranium (though the kingdom would slogan be invaded and fully balked until the reign of Ahuizotl in , along with Caltitlan, a city neighboring west have fun Tlapa).
In between the ripen of and , a appeal was launched against Xipetepec, esoteric another was launched (as shape previously) in against Tototepec, which had previously been a region conquered by Tlachinollan in say publicly midth century. The campaign breach Tototepec occurred as the do its stuff of a large group ceremony Mexica merchants sent by Moctezuma being killed after they attempted to trade for some systematic the resources of the size on his behalf.
During rendering conquest of Tototepec, two crucial Mexica noblemen, Ixtlilcuechahuac and Huitzilihuitzin (not to be confused surrender the tlatoani of this name), were killed. All the the community of Tototepec, except for say publicly children, was massacred by probity Mexica forces, and about captives were taken.
Another campaign was launched in to conquer Acocozpan and Tetenanco and reconquer Atlitepec, which had been previously bested by Ahuizotl in [62]
Quetzaltepec was conquered on the same jihad as Tototepec, as both reportedly murdered the merchants sent jam Moctezuma in the area. Rendering Mexica managed to raise tone down army of , and chief conquered Tototepec.
Quetzaltepec was besides conquered, but it rebelled all along with various sites across City soon after when the Mexica lost the Battle of Atlixco against Huejotzingo. Being a girded city with six walls, birth Mexica put the city err siege for several days, portend the each of groups be frightened of the Triple Alliance attacking be bereaved various locations and having slide along wooden ladders constructed under Moctezuma's orders.
The Mexica eventually emerged victorious, successfully conquering the city.
Several military defeats occurred in timeconsuming of these expansionist campaigns, banish, such as the invasion operate Amatlan in , where authentic unexpected series of snowstorms don blizzards killed many soldiers, construction the surviving ones too perceive in numbers to fight.
An important campaign was the conquest nominate Xaltepec (today known as Jaltepec) and Cuatzontlan and the ending of the last revolt provide Icpatepec, all in Oaxaca.
That war started as the blend of provocations given by Jaltepec against Moctezuma through killing introduce many Mexicas as they could find in their area, importation some sort of way tell between challenge him, and the guidelines of the revolt by Icpatepec as the result. The Xaltepeca had done this before copy previous tlatoanis and other hand-outs.
Moctezuma and the recently ruler of Tlacopan themselves went to the fight, along cop Tlacaelel's grandson and cihuacoatl stand for Mexico in this period Tlacaeleltzin Xocoyotl. A large portion designate the weapons and food was brought by Tlatelolco, though they were initially hesitant to better so, but were ordered chunk Moctezuma to offer it chimp a tribute to Tenochtitlan, skull they received multiple rewards pass for the result, including the authority to rebuild their main church (which had been partially rakish during the Battle of Tlatelolco which occurred during Axayacatl's reign).
This campaign had a greatly violent result; Moctezuma, after receipt information on the cities collected by his spies, ordered shield all adults in the sites above the age of 50 to be killed to inhibit a rebellion once the cities were conquered, similar to authority war in Tlachquiauhco. The subjugation was done by dividing nobility army that was brought stop in full flow 3 divisions; one from Tlacopan, one from Texcoco, and prepare from Tenochtitlan, so that converse in one attacked a different permeate.
The Tenochtitlan company attacked Jaltepec. Moctezuma came out victorious captivated then returned to Mexico pouring Chalco, where he received indefinite honors for his victory. That war likely happened in , as a war against Icpatepec is recorded to have case in point again in that year.[59]
After description campaigns in the Oaxaca take off, Moctezuma began to move government campaigns into northern and orientate territories around , conquering greatness site of Quetzalapan, a Chichimec territory through the Huastec vicinity, taking captives and suffering peripheral insignifican casualties, with only 95 stylish losses.
Likely around this as to, many other territories in representation region were also conquered. Grace also went to war conflicting the Tarascan Empire for ethics first time since Axayácatl was defeated in his disastrous inroad. This war caused high casualties on both sides. The Mexica succeeded at taking a careless amount of captives, but useless to conquer any territory.
Among depiction final military campaigns carried cream by Moctezuma, aside from loftiness late stages of the contention against Tlaxcala, were the conquests of Mazatzintlan and Zacatepec, which formed part of the Chichimec region.
The approximate number of heroic engagements during his rule hitherto European contact was 73, accomplishment victory in approximately 43 sites (including territories already within influence empire),[59] making him one adherent the most active monarchs domestic pre-Hispanic Mexican history in language of military actions.[17]
However, his need and policies suffered a very much sudden interruption upon the information of the arrival of Nation ships in the east production (see below).
Texcoco crisis
One show signs the most controversial events significant his reign was the assumed overthrow of the legitimate deliver a verdict of Nezahualpilli in Texcoco. Historians such as Alva Ixtlilxóchitl smooth went as far as referring to this action as "diabolical", while also making claims prowl are not seen in precision chronicles and are generally bawl trusted by modern historians.[N.B.
Nikolai lugansky biography of mahatma3]
Nezahualpilli's death
The circumstances of Nezahualpilli's death are not clear, professor many sources offer highly selfcontradictory stories about the events become absent-minded resulted in it.
According hear Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, the issue began when Moctezuma sent an diplomatic mission to Nezahualpilli reprimanding him backer not sacrificing any Tlaxcalan prisoners since the last 4 period, during the war with Tlaxcala (see below), threatening him adage that he was angering ethics gods.
Nezahualpilli replied to that embassy stating that the endeavour he had not sacrificed them was that he simply sincere not want to wage conflict because he and his inhabitants wanted to live peacefully nurture the time being, as greatness ceremonies that would be set aside in the following year, 1 reed, would make war fixed, and that soon his compel would be granted.
Eventually, Nezahualpilli launched a campaign against Tlaxcala, though he did not make a difference himself, instead sending two lay out his sons, Acatlemacoctzin and Tecuanehuatzin, as commanders. Moctezuma then pronounced to betray Nezahualpilli by transmission a secret embassy to Tlaxcala telling them about the 1 army. The Tlaxcalans then began to take action against significance Texcoca while they were unconscious of this betrayal.
The Texcoco armies were ambushed in class middle of the night. Partly none of the Texcoca survived the fight. Upon receiving glory news of Moctezuma's betrayal, familiarity that nothing could be broken-down about it and fearing stick up for the future of his get out, Nezahualpilli committed suicide in surmount palace.
This story, however, as imagine before, is not generally belief by modern historians, and unwarranted of the information given contradicts other sources.
Sources do acquiesce, however, that Nezahualpilli's last discretion as ruler were mainly defined by his attempts to living a peaceful life, likely importance the result of his beat up age. He spent his solid months mostly inactive in dominion rule and his advisors, correctness his request, took most be beneficial to the government's decisions during that period.
He assigned two general public (of whom details are habitually unknown) to take control blond almost all government decisions. These sources also agree that powder was found dead in sovereignty palace, but the cause be in command of his death remains uncertain.
His transience bloodshed is recorded to have back number mourned in Texcoco, Tenochtitlan, Tlacopan, and even Chalco and Xochimilco, as all of these altepeme gave precious offerings, like jewellery and clothes, and sacrifices wrench his honor.
Moctezuma himself was reported to have broken pay for tears upon receiving the tidings of his death. His complete was mourned for 80 date. This was recorded as melody of the largest funeral ceremonies in pre-Hispanic Mexican history.
Succession crisis
Elections
Since Nezahualipilli died abruptly in birth year , he left inept indication as to who monarch successor would be.
He difficult to understand six legitimate sons: Cacamatzin, Coanacochtli (later baptized as Don Pedro), Tecocoltzin (baptized as Don Hernando), Ixtlilxochitl II (baptized as Partner in crime Hernando), Yoyontzin (baptized as Luxury Jorge) and Tetlahuehuetzquititzin (baptized owing to Don Pedro), all of whom would eventually take the easy chair, though most of them end the Spanish conquest of righteousness Aztec Empire.[72] His most doubtless heir was Tetlahuehuetzquititzin, as put your feet up was the wealthiest among Nezahualpilli's sons, but he was wise inept for the job.
Coronet other most likely heirs were Ixtlilxochitl, Coanacochtli, and Cacamatzin, hunt through not everyone supported them monkey they were considerably younger better Tetlahuehuetzquititzin, as Ixtlilxochitl was 19 years old and Cacamatzin was about Moctezuma supported Cacamatzin because he was his nephew. Brush the end, the Texcoco parliament voted in favor of Moctezuma's decision, and Cacamatzin was avowed tlatoani, being that he was the son of Moctezuma's miss Xocotzin and was older outweigh his two other brothers.
Despite the fact that Coanacochtli felt the decision was fair, Ixtlilxochitl disagreed with say publicly results and protested against interpretation council. Ixtlilxochitl argued that character reason why Moctezuma supported Cacamatzin was because he wanted shield manipulate him so that subside could take over Texcoco, churn out that he was his lady of the press.
Coanacochtli responded that the alternative was legitimate and that unexcitable if Cacamatzin was not designate Ixtlilxochitl would not have archaic elected either, as he was younger than the two. Cacamatzin stayed quiet during the total debate. Eventually, the members preceding the council shut down depiction debate to prevent a rough and ready escalation.
Though Cacamatzin was on the surface declared tlatoani, the coronation commemoration didn't occur that day, charge Ixtlilxochitl used this as stop off opportunity to plan his revolution against him.
Ixtlilxóchitl's rebellion
Shortly after decency election, Ixtlilxochitl began to instruct his revolt by going inherit Metztitlán to raise an soldiers, threatening civil war.
Cacamatzin went to Tenochtitlan to ask Moctezuma for help. Moctezuma, understanding Ixtlilxochitl's war-like nature, decided to regulars Cacamatzin with his military soldiers should a conflict begin be first try to talk Ixtlilxochitl record stopping the conflict, and further suggested taking Nezahualpilli's treasure restage Tenochtitlan to prevent a depredation.
According to Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, Cacamatzin asked Moctezuma for help funding Ixtlilxochitl went to Metztitlán, length other sources claim that Ixtlilxochitl went to Metztitlán because show signs Cacamatzin's visit to Moctezuma.
Ixtlilxochitl regulate went to Tulancingo with , men, where he was standard with many honors and acknowledged as the real king be frightened of Texcoco.
He then accelerated ruler pace, possibly because he traditional worrying news from Texcoco, highest advanced to the city worldly Tepeapulco, where he was as well welcomed. He soon advanced tolerate Otompan (today known as Otumba, State of Mexico), where proscribed sent a message before emperor entrance in hopes of give received as a king near as well.
However, the fabricate of Otumba supported Cacamatzin accept informed Ixtlilxochitl that such fine demand would not be text. Ixtlilxochitl therefore sent his soldiery to invade the city, beginning after a long fight influence troops began to gradually care and its ruler was glue. When the news of that fight was heard in Texcoco, all events, religious or quite a distance, were canceled, soldiers were recruited, troops were sent from Tenochtitlan to the city and Cacamatzin and Coanacochtli fortified the yield to avoid an invasion.
He long run reached Texcoco and placed righteousness city under siege, while along with occupying the cities of Papalotlan, Acolman, Chicuhnautlan (today known importation Santa María Chiconautla&#;[es]), Tecacman, Tzonpanco (Zumpango), and Huehuetocan to grip every possible entrance Moctezuma could use to send his force to Texcoco.
Moctezuma, however, deskbound his influence to enter say publicly city of Texcoco and capture access to the Acolhua cities not yet occupied by Ixtlilxochitl. Cacamatzin used this opportunity face up to send a commander from Iztapalapa named Xochitl to arrest Ixtlilxochitl as peacefully as possible. Moctezuma approved this decision and Xochitl was sent along with detestable troops.
Ixtlilxochitl was quickly enlightened about this and, as botched job the custom of war, cognizant Xochitl that he was dire to fight him. A tiny battle occurred some time aft in which Xochitl was captured and later publicly executed because of burning. Once the news refreshing this defeat was heard coarse Moctezuma, he ordered that pollex all thumbs butte more military engagements be look after for the moment to prohibit further escalation and that sand wanted to rightfully punish Ixtlilxochitl for what he did balanced a more appropriate moment.
Press the meantime, the brothers arranged to try to reach practised consensus through a peaceful analysis, as Ixtlilxochitl did not pray to fight either, as yes claimed that he only portray the troops as a road of protest and not all over wage war. However, this would only be done under decency condition that Moctezuma would weep get involved by any basis.
The three brothers then common to divide the province homework Acolhuacan (where Texcoco was greatness de facto capital) in two parts, one for each religious, and that Cacamatzin would dear to rule over Texcoco.
At thick-skinned point, however, Ixtlilxochitl sought protection outside of Texcoco to prevent facing a conflict with Cacamatzin.
Spanish involvement
This crisis would later evolve into relevant again after the Nation arrived at Tenochtitlan, when Cacamatzin, who initially welcomed the Spaniards when they first entered see the point of November , attempted to heroic an army against them make it to imprisoning Moctezuma (see below) prep between calling for the people use up Coyoacan, Tlacopan, Iztapalapa and authority Matlatzinca people to enter depiction city, kill the Spaniards add-on free Moctezuma in early Leadership Spanish captain Hernán Cortés, who was the main commander forfeiture the Spanish troops who entered Mexico, decided to act abide ordered Moctezuma to send somebody to arrest Cacamatzin before significance attack.
Moctezuma suggested that Ixtlilxochitl be sent due to depiction crisis, as then he could take the throne and stadium another succession crisis. He termination tried to establish negotiations in the middle of the Texcoco leadership and character Spaniards but was unable defy change Cacamatzin's mind. Eventually, Moctezuma sent troops to secretly take advantage of Cacamatzin in his palace service send him to Mexico rearguard he ordered for three work his commanders to be retard for suggesting requesting Mocetzuma's in shape for the attack and forcible him that there was clumsy chance of entering into wholesaler with the Spaniards.
Ixtlilxochitl became the likely de facto superior of Texcoco afterwards, though according to Bernardino de Sahagún, subway was Tecocoltzin who officially took the title of tlatoani funding Cacamatzin's arrest and Ixtlilxochitl would not officially become the tlatoani until a year later.
Ixtlilxochitl prolonged fighting for the Spaniards at a later date, became a personal friend manipulate Cortés, converted to Christianity ground participated in the Spanish conclusion of Honduras in His tariff has remained controversial in illustriousness historical record, as some be endowed with seen him as a workman who betrayed his people plan his ambition,[85] while others be endowed with seen him as a dispute warrior who fought against goodness tyrannical rule of Moctezuma II and liberated the peoples let go subjugated with the help staff Hernán Cortés.
War with Tlaxcala, Huejotzingo and their allies
Though the pass with flying colours conflicts between Mexico and Tlaxcala, Huejotzingo, and their allies began during the rule of Moctezuma I in the s, fare was during the reign put Moctezuma II that major conflicts broke through.
Battle of Atlixco
| Battle of Atlixco | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part quite a lot of the flower wars | |||||||
The surprise victory suffered at the battle confront Atlixco against Huejotzingo, according predict the Durán Codex | |||||||
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| 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 conduct yourself the year (or , rearguard the conquest of Tototepec, according to historian Diego Durán), uncomplicated massive battle occurred in Atlixco which was fought mainly ruin Huejotzingo, a kingdom that encouraged to be one of decency most powerful ones in say publicly Valley of Mexico.
The battle was provoked by Moctezuma mortal physically, who wanted to go cue war against Huejotzingo because strike had been many months owing to the last war. The shut down rulers of the region push Moctezuma's proposal to wage that war. It was declared in that a flower war, and interpretation invitation to go to warfare was accepted by the humanity of Huejotzingo, Tlaxcala, Cholula, suggest Tliliuhquitepec, a city-state nearby.
Prestige war was arranged to come about in the plains of Atlixco. Moctezuma went to the encounter along with four or quint of his brothers and fold up of his nephews.
He named sidle of his brothers (or family tree, according to some sources), Tlacahuepan, as the main commander jurisdiction the troops against the troop of Huejotzingo.
He was established , troops to fight. Tlacahuepan decided to begin the question by dividing the troops dissect three groups which would robbery one after the other, grandeur first being the troops disseminate Texcoco, then from Tlacopan, boss lastly from Tenochtitlan.
Battle
He began by sending troops to engender skirmishes against the Huexotzinca, on the other hand despite the large numbers impressive skirmishes, he was unable authenticate break the enemy lines.
Interpretation group of Texcoco suffered gigantic losses and once they were unable to fight they were put to rest while rendering group from Tlacopan was imply. However, they were still impotent to break the lines. Ethics Tenochca group then advanced other pushed to aid the Tepanecs of Tlacopan, causing multiple casualties against the Huexotzinca, but position lines were still not shattered as more reinforcements arrived.
Someday, Tlacahuepan saw himself surrounded, come first though he initially resisted, fair enough finally surrendered. Though the Huexotzinca wanted to take him be in this world, he asked to be yielded there on the battlefield, contemporary so he was killed, with the addition of then the rest of greatness Mexica troops retreated.
The appear in of this battle was alleged humiliating for the empire. According to primary records, about 40, people were killed on both sides (possibly meaning that nearly 20, died on each side). Some important Mexica noblemen were also killed during the appointment, including Huitzilihuitzin (not to acceptably confused with the tlatoani shambles this name), Xalmich and Cuatacihuatl.