Table of Contents
Who was Moctezuma II and what did he do as tlatoani of Tenochtitlan?
Moctezuma II became the ninth tlatoani and ruler of Tenochtitlan in 1502. He ruled over the Aztec Empire until 1520 with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors under the leadership of Hernan Cortés.
Why did Montezuma II welcome Cortés at Tenochtitlan?
Montezuma’s decision to welcome Cortés into his city reflected his strength and intelligence, not his weakness. Years of reports of Spaniards along the coastline suggested they were in the Americas to stay. Even defeating Cortés outright would only delay the inevitable negotiations that must be made with the newcomers.
What did Montezuma II do that angered the Aztecs?
After being taken captive by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, Montezuma spoke to his subjects in an attempt to quell growing unrest. However, upset by his believed submission to the Spaniards, the Aztecs threw stones and arrows.
Who was Montezuma II and why was he important?
Who was Montezuma and why was he important? Montezuma II was one of the last Aztec emperors. Under his rule, the Aztec empire had its peak, conquering other tribes and expanding their territories. However, he allowed the Spanish to conquer them due to his religious superstition.
What did Montezuma accomplish?
Montezuma I (1397-1469), who ruled the Aztecs from 1440 to 1469, is best known for his expansion of the empire and for his building projects, including the dike across Lake Texcoco and the temple to the god Huitzilopochtli.
What happened when Cortés met Moctezuma?
Cortés faces Montezuma on the great causeway leading to Tenochtitlan. Less than a week later, he seizes the Aztec ruler and takes control of the city. The Spaniards and their allies flee Tenochtitlan on the Night of Tears.
What is the story behind Montezuma’s revenge?
Etymology. Named for Montezuma or Moctezuma II (c. 1466 – 1520), the last Aztec ruler before the empire was conquered by the Spanish. The condition is seen as “retribution” for the slaughter and enslavement of the Aztec people by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés on 13 August 1521.
Was Montezuma a good Aztec leader?
He Was a Great Warrior and General Montezuma was a brave warrior in the field as well as a skilled general. If he had never shown great personal bravery on the battlefield, he never would have been considered for Tlatoani in the first place.
What did the tlatoani do?
The tlatoani was the ultimate owner of all land in his city-state, received tribute, oversaw markets and temples, led the military, and resolved judicial disputes. The tlatoani were required to be from the noble class and of royal lineage. Once a tlatoani was selected, he served his city-state for life.
Did Montezuma eat children?
It is said that he ate the flesh of slaves, youth, women, and children etc. depending on which god the sacrifice was directed towards.
What was the curse of Montezuma?
According to a popular legend, the dying Aztec emperor Moctezuma used his last breath to utter a curse under which any strangers who plundered the riches of his land would suffer from painful diseases.
What happened to Montezuma?
Moctezuma died in the evening hours of June 30, 1520, in his palace in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, while a prisoner of the Spanish conquistadors. The Emperor had been speaking to his people in an effort to persuade them to cease hostilities against Hernán Cortés, his Spanish soldiers, and Indian allies.
What did the Huey Tlatoani do in Tenochtitlan?
Since the huey tlatoani was concerned with the affairs of the overall empire, the cihuacoatl in Tenochtitlan carried out the administration of the city itself. Today, historians refer to the huey tlatoani as Emperors since they oversaw all aspects of the far-reaching Aztec Empire.
How did Moctezuma get the title tequihua?
Approximately in the year 1490, Moctezuma obtained the rank of tequihua, which is reached by capturing at least 4 enemy commanders. [14] Stone of the Five Suns, a stone with inscriptions in Nahuatl writing depicting the date 15 July 1503 in the Aztec calendar. Some historians believe this to be the date in which Moctezuma was crowned
How did Moctezuma react to the defeat of Tlacahuepan?
Anyway, the defeat was a humiliating one, and Moctezuma is said to had cried in anguish upon hearing of the death of Tlacahuepan and the massive loss of soldiers. Moctezuma himself welcomed the soldiers who survived back into Mexico, while the population that welcomed them mourned. [94]
How did Moctezuma help the merchants of Ayotlan?
Then-prince Moctezuma the Younger arriving to the rescue of the merchants who were put under siege during the conquest of Ayotlan, according to the Florentine Codex. The merchants are seen talking to Moctezuma, informing him about the end of the war