Ahuitzotl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ahuizotl |
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| Ruler of Tenochtitlan Ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance |
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Ahuitzotl depicted in the Codex Mendoza
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| Ruler of Tenochtitlan Ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance |
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| Reign | 7 Rabbit (1486) – 10 Rabbit (1502) |
| Born | 15th century Tenochtitlan, Aztec Triple Alliance |
| Died | 10 Rabbit (1502) Tenochtitlan, Aztec Triple Alliance |
| Issue | Chimalpilli II Cuauhtémoc Unidentified daughter |
| Father | Tezozomoc |
| Mother | Atotoztli II |
| Religion | Aztec polytheism |
Ahuitzotl was the eighth Aztec ruler, known as the Hueyi Tlatoani (great speaker or emperor) of the city of Tenochtitlan. He was the son of Princess Atotoztli II. His name means "Water Thorny" and was also used for the otter.
Ahuitzotl was a very important leader. He greatly expanded the lands controlled by the Aztec Empire. He became the Tlatoani in the year 7 Rabbit (1486). This happened after his brother, Tizoc, passed away.
Ahuitzotl had two sons, who later became kings: Chimalpilli II and Cuauhtémoc. He also had one daughter.
Ahuitzotl's Reign and Conquests
Ahuitzotl is considered one of the greatest military leaders of ancient Mesoamerica. He started his rule by putting down a rebellion by the Huastec people. After that, he quickly doubled the size of the Aztec Empire.
He conquered many different groups of people. These included the Mixtec and Zapotec peoples. His conquests stretched from the Pacific Coast of Mexico all the way down to the western part of Guatemala.
Ahuitzotl also oversaw a huge rebuilding project in Tenochtitlan. He made the city much grander. This included expanding the Great Pyramid, also known as the Templo Mayor. This expansion happened in the year 8 Reed (1487).
During his rule, a type of bird called the great-tailed grackle was brought into the Valley of Mexico. This is the earliest known time that humans intentionally moved birds in the Western Hemisphere.
End of His Rule
Ahuitzotl died in the year 10 Rabbit (1502). After his death, his nephew, Moctezuma II, became the next ruler.
Ahuitzotl took his name from a legendary creature called the ahuizotl. The Aztecs believed this creature was real and not just a symbol of the king.
Ahuitzotl in Stories
Ahuitzotl appears in some popular stories and books.
- In the Obsidian and Blood book series by Aliette de Bodard, Ahuitzotl is a main character. He is called Teomitl in these stories. The books are set during the last year of Axayacatl's rule and the first years of Tizoc's rule.
- He is also an important character in the historical novel "Aztec" by Gary Jennings. This book is set just before the Spanish arrived. It talks about his building projects in Tenochtitlan and his many wars. It also describes his trade and personal habits.
See also
In Spanish: Ahuízotl (gobernante) para niños
| Preceded by Tizoc |
Ruler of Tenochtitlan Ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance 7 Rabbit – 10 Rabbit (1486–1502) |
Succeeded by Moctezuma II |
