Moctezuma II

Moctezuma II

Name	Moctezuma II
Birth name
Birth date	1466
Birth place	Tenochtitlan, Aztec Empire
Death date	June 29, 1520
Death place	Tenochtitlan, Aztec Empire
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Years active
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Moctezuma II, also known as Montezuma II, was the ninth Huey Tlatoani or ruler of the Aztec Empire, reigning from 1502 until his death in 1520. He is best known for his encounter with the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire.

Early Life

Moctezuma II was born in 1466 in Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. He was the son of Axayacatl, the sixth Huey Tlatoani, and a member of the royal family. Moctezuma was educated in the traditional Aztec manner, learning about religion, warfare, and governance.

Ascension to Power

In 1502, Moctezuma II ascended to the throne following the death of his uncle, Ahuitzotl. His reign was marked by a consolidation of power and expansion of the empire. Moctezuma II was known for his autocratic style of rule, centralizing authority and expanding the empire's influence through military campaigns.

Encounter with the Spanish

In 1519, Moctezuma II received news of the arrival of Spanish explorers led by Hernán Cortés. Initially, he believed Cortés to be the god Quetzalcoatl, whose return was prophesied in Aztec mythology. Moctezuma sent emissaries with gifts to the Spanish, hoping to appease them.

Cortés and his men eventually reached Tenochtitlan, where Moctezuma welcomed them into the city. However, tensions soon arose, and Moctezuma was taken hostage by the Spanish. During his captivity, Moctezuma attempted to maintain peace between the Aztecs and the Spanish, but his authority was undermined.

Death and Legacy

Moctezuma II died on June 29, 1520, under unclear circumstances. Some accounts suggest he was killed by the Spanish, while others claim he was stoned by his own people for his perceived betrayal. His death marked a turning point in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Moctezuma II's legacy is complex. He is often portrayed as a tragic figure, caught between the demands of his people and the overwhelming force of the Spanish invaders. His reign is remembered for both the height of Aztec power and the beginning of its decline.

Also see

• Aztec Empire
• Hernán Cortés
• Tenochtitlan
• Quetzalcoatl
• Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire