Moctezuma ii children

Biography of Montezuma II

Montezuma II was the last ruler of the Aztecs, also known as the Mexica people. He ascended to the throne in 1502, following the reign of his uncle Ahuitzotl. The exact year of his coronation is disputed, with some sources stating it was in 1503 or 1511. Montezuma II inherited the throne from his uncle due to his position as the highest-ranking priest of the tribal god Huitzilopochtli.

Upon being proclaimed tlatoani (emperor), Montezuma II retreated to a temple to pray. His older brother, Malinaltzin, who was renowned as a skilled warrior, was initially declared his successor. However, it is believed that Montezuma II arranged for his brother's assassination, as he did not want the rulers of Tlaxcala to gain access to power through his brother's marriage to one of the daughters of Nezahualpilli, the ruler of Texcoco.

Once in power, Montezuma II purged all those who had served the previous tlatoani, including messengers, ambassadors, and elders. He sought to surround himself with loyal individuals, often appointing his relatives to positions of authority. To test their loyalty, he even employed brutal methods. During his first military campaign, he ordered Tlilpotonqui, the supreme military commander, to execute all his servants and the tutors of his children. Tlilpotonqui carried out the order, solidifying his loyalty and earning a promotion.

Under Montezuma II's rule, the power of the tlatoani became almost absolute. He further bolstered his authority by deifying himself, elevating the cult of the tlatoani. Additionally, he strengthened his economic power by appointing his trusted officials in key cities while easing economic sanctions on local merchants.

In 1515, the hegemony of Tenochtitlan in the Triple Alliance was solidified with the death of Nezahualpilli, the ruler of Texcoco. Nezahualpilli's son, Cacamatzin, succeeded him, becoming a puppet ruler under Montezuma II's control.

On November 8, 1519, Hernán Cortés and his army of 250 Spaniards, accompanied by Tlaxcalan allies, entered Tenochtitlan. Despite the growing resentment towards the Spanish presence, Montezuma II, who was essentially their captive, urged his people to recognize the authority of the Spanish king and Cortés. During one such plea to the crowd from the roof of his palace, he was pelted with stones and later died from his injuries at the age of 53.

After his death, Montezuma II's body was collected by the indigenous people and taken to a place called Copilco. There, his body was placed on a pyre and set on fire. As his body burned, some people insulted and laughed at him, while others murmured and shook their heads.

Despite the controversial nature of his reign, Montezuma II's legacy remains significant as the ruler who faced the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and the downfall of the Aztec Empire.