Cacamatzin facts for kids
Cacamatzin (born 1483, died 1520) was an important ruler, known as a tlatoani, of Texcoco. Texcoco was the second most powerful city in the Aztec Empire. He was a son of the previous ruler, Nezahualpilli.
Quick facts for kids Cacamatzin |
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Cacamatzin as depicted in a 16th-century manuscript
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| Tlatoani of Texcoco | |
| Reign | 1515 - 1520 |
| Predecessor | Nezahualpilli |
| Successor | Coanacochtzin |
| Born | 1483 |
| Died | 1520 |
| Father | Nezahualpilli |
Traditionally, the rulers of Texcoco were chosen by noble families. They would pick the most skilled person from the royal family. However, Cacamatzin's election in 1515 was influenced by Moctezuma II. Moctezuma was the powerful ruler of Tenochtitlán, the main city of the Aztec Empire. He wanted Tenochtitlán to have more power than Texcoco.
Cacamatzin was also a poet. He wrote a song called Cacamatzin Icuic, which means "Song of Cacamatzin". In this song, he remembered his father and grandfather. He also seemed to protest against an attack by Pedro de Alvarado during a festival.
Later, Hernán Cortés, the leader of the Spanish conquistadors, ordered Moctezuma to arrest Cacamatzin. Cacamatzin was arrested in his own palace while he was planning for war. Other important leaders from nearby cities like Coyoacan, Iztapalapa, and Tacuba were also arrested.
Cacamatzin died in 1520 during a difficult retreat by the Spanish. This event is known as La Noche Triste, which means "The Sad Night" for the Spanish.
Rebellion Against the Spanish
While the Spanish were staying in the Axayácatl palace, they found a room filled with treasures. Cortés asked Moctezuma where the gold came from. After getting answers, the Spanish sent groups to find more gold in different regions. Cortés also demanded that all of Moctezuma's people pay gold immediately.
Cacamatzin's brothers, Tetlahuehuezquititzin and Netzahualquentzin, were in charge of delivering gold in Texcoco. There was a misunderstanding, and Netzahualquentzin was arrested. He was taken to Cortés, but Moctezuma helped him avoid a harsh punishment.
Cacamatzin was very upset by these events. He called together other important leaders, including his cousin from Coyoacán and the rulers of Tlacopan and Iztapalapa. He wanted them to rebel against the Spanish conquerors.
However, Moctezuma did not want war in Tenochtitlan. He warned Cortés about Cacamatzin's plans. Cortés tried to make peace with Cacamatzin, but Cacamatzin refused. He said he did not believe Cortés's lies and would not be convinced like Moctezuma had been.
Moctezuma sent messages again, asking Cacamatzin not to rebel. Cacamatzin replied that he would not back down. He said that he was fighting for his people, their land, and their religion. He believed it was his duty as a ruler to protect his kingdom.
See also
In Spanish: Cacamatzin para niños
