Acamapichtli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acamapichtli |
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| Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan Ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance, Cihuacoatl |
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| Reign | 1367–1387, 1376–1395 or 1350–1403 |
| Predecessor | Ilancueitl |
| Successor | Huitzilihuitl |
| Died | 1387, 1395 or 1403 |
| Wives |
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| Issue | Huitzilihuitl Itzcoatl Tlatolqaca Quatlecoatl Matlalxoch other children |
| Father | Opochtli Iztahuatzin |
| Mother | Princess Atotoztli I |
Acamapichtli (meaning "Handful of reeds") was a very important leader for the Aztecs. He was the first Tlatoani, or king, of the Aztec people in Tenochtitlan. He also started the Aztec royal family.
Historians have different ideas about when he ruled. Some say it was from 1367 to 1387. Others believe it was from 1376 to 1395. A third idea is that he ruled from 1350 to 1403.
Contents
Acamapichtli's Story
His Family and Early Life
Acamapichtli was not born in Tenochtitlan. In the 1300s, family connections were very important in Mexico. The Aztecs were new to the area, so they needed strong allies.
After their leader Tenoch died, the Aztec elders chose a new tlatoani. They wanted someone who could connect their young city to powerful groups nearby. So, they sent a group to the leaders of Culhuacan.
The Culhua people had recently forced the Aztecs out of another area. But some Aztecs and Culhua had married each other. Acamapichtli was from one of these families. His father, Opochtli Iztahuatzin, was an Aztec leader. His mother, Atotoztli I, was the daughter of King Coxcoxtli of Culhuacan. She was also the sister of King Huehue Acamapichtli.
Acamapichtli also had family ties to the Acolhua people in Coatlinchan. The Culhua nobles also said they were related to the ancient Toltecs. This made their family line very respected.
Becoming King of Tenochtitlan
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Acamapichtli started his rule as a cihuacóatl, which was like a governor. He was 20 years old and living in Texcoco with his mother. When he agreed to be king, he came to Tenochtitlan with a big celebration.
He married Ilancueitl, who was the daughter of Acolmiztli, the ruler of Culhuacán. To make even more connections, Acamapichtli also married a woman from each of Tenochtitlan's neighborhoods, called calpullis.
Around the same time, Tenochtitlan's nearby city, Tlatelolco, also got a new ruler. This was Cuacuapitzahuac, the son of Tezozómoc. Tezozómoc was the tlatoani of Azcapotzalco, another powerful city.
Even with his Culhua family, Tenochtitlan soon became part of Azcapotzalco's power. Tenochtitlan had to pay tribute to Azcapotzalco. Aztec soldiers fought for Azcapotzalco against other cities, like Chalco. Eventually, the Aztecs were allowed to fight their own wars. They sent armies to places like Cuauhnahuac (now Cuernavaca) and Xochimilco.
The rulers of Azcapotzalco demanded tribute every full moon. This tribute was said to be very difficult to pay. But Tenochtitlan still grew and got stronger. The island city was made bigger by adding dirt and rocks. The Aztecs were careful to keep some distance from the mainland for defense.
Tenochtitlan was built in the middle of Lake Texcoco. This meant it had limited farmland. Acamapichtli helped the city grow food by making more chinampas. These were like "floating" gardens around the island. He also took chinampas from other cities, especially Xochimilco.
He also improved the city's buildings. The oldest part of the Great Pyramid, called Temple II, was built during his time.
During his rule, the city was divided into four main neighborhoods: Moyotlán, Zoquipan, Cuecopan, and Atzacualco. Houses made of reeds were replaced with stone houses. A large temple, called a teocalli, was also built. It is believed that the first Aztec laws were created during his reign.
In 1382, Acamapichtli was officially named tlatoani. He had an even bigger crowning ceremony at the altar of Huitzilopochtli. He was joined by important warriors. The chief priest put oil and water on him and placed the crown, or xiuhuitzolli, on his head. This same ceremony was used for all later Aztec kings. Later, the rulers of Texcoco and Tlacopan also joined the new tlatoani at his crowning. These three cities formed the Aztec Triple Alliance.
Acamapichtli was a smart leader. He made his city stronger by making friends with neighbors, not just by fighting wars. He avoided problems with powerful rulers like Tezozómoc by paying the tribute they asked for. Once, Tezozómoc asked for a chinampa full of beautiful flowers. The Aztecs grew the flowers and floated the chinampa to him across the lake.
His Children and the Next King
Acamapichtli's first wife did not have children. So, he married another woman named Tezcatlan Miyahuatzin. She was the mother of Huitzilíhuitl, who became king after Acamapichtli died. Another son, Itzcóatl, also became tlatoani later in 1427. Itzcóatl's mother was a noblewoman who had been captured and made a slave.
Even though being tlatoani was not strictly passed down from father to son, only a small group of princes could become king. All later Aztec rulers were related to Acamapichtli.
Before he died, Acamapichtli gathered the chiefs of the four city neighborhoods. He asked them to choose his successor. They chose his oldest son, Huitzilíhuitl. Acamapichtli approved their choice, and then he died. After his father's death, Huitzilíhuitl made sure his power was strong. He ordered a new election with more people voting, including important warriors and priests.
See also
In Spanish: Acamapichtli para niños
- List of Tenochtitlan rulers
