Chimalpopoca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chimalpopoca
Chimalpopoca as depicted in the Tovar Codex.
Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan
Predecessor	Huitzilihuitl
Successor	Xihuitl Temoc Itzcoatl
Born	1397
Died	1427
Spouse	Queen Matlalatzin
Issue	Tezozomoc
Father	Emperor Huitzilihuitl
Mother	Empress Ayauhcihuatl

Chimalpopoca (which means "smoking shield") was the third Emperor of Tenochtitlan. He ruled from 1417 to 1427. He was born in 1397 and passed away in 1427.

About Chimalpopoca

Chimalpopoca was the son of Emperor Huitzilihuitl and Queen Ayauhcihuatl. When he became emperor in 1417, his brother Tlacaelel I was named high priest. This was an important step because it meant that religious and government roles in the Aztec empire became separate.

Chimalpopoca's Time as Ruler

When Chimalpopoca became emperor at age 20, Tenochtitlan was under the control of Azcapotzalco. This was a powerful Tepanec city ruled by his grandfather, Tezozomoc.

Tenochtitlan showed its loyalty to Azcapotzalco during a war in 1418. This war was against Ixtlilxochitl I of Texcoco. Because of Tenochtitlan's support, the conquered city of Texcoco became a place that paid tribute to Tenochtitlan.

Nezahualcoyotl, a prince from Texcoco, was hiding in the mountains. Chimalpopoca spoke to Tezozomoc on his behalf. Tezozomoc then allowed Nezahualcoyotl to live safely in Tenochtitlan.

In 1426, Chimalpopoca worked with Tezozomoc to build a new aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a bridge or channel that carries water. This one was made of wood and brought water from Chapultepec to Tenochtitlan.

Chimalpopoca also had a raised road, called a causeway, built to Tlacopan. This causeway had openings with wooden bridges that could be removed at night. During his rule, he also dedicated a special stone for sacrifices in Tenochtitlan. He is also known for conquering the area of Tequizquiac.

His Family

Chimalpopoca was the son of Huitzilihuitl, the previous ruler. Some historical records suggest he might have been the son of Acamapichtli, the first ruler of Tenochtitlan, making him Huitzilihuitl's brother. However, most sources agree he was Huitzilihuitl's son.

He had many wives and children. One of his wives was his cousin Matlalatzin. His son, Tezozomoc, later became king of Ecatepec.

Here are some ideas about the family connections of the early Aztec rulers:

Chimalpopoca was also a grandson of Acamapichtli and Tezozomoc. He was a half-brother to Moctezuma I.

Chimalpopoca's Death

When Tezozomoc died in 1427, his son Tayatzin was supposed to take over. But Maxtla, another son of Tezozomoc and ruler of Coyoacan, started a rebellion. Maxtla took the throne of Azcapotzalco for himself.

Chimalpopoca sided with Tayatzin. They planned to get the throne back and remove Maxtla. This led to a lot of conflict between Tenochtitlan and Azcapotzalco. Tayatzin was killed during these disputes.

Chimalpopoca decided to offer himself as a sacrifice. But before his turn, soldiers from Azcapotzalco attacked Tenochtitlan. They captured Chimalpopoca and took him to Azcapotzalco. He was kept in a cage and eventually died there.

His uncle, Itzcoatl, then became the new emperor of Tenochtitlan. Some historians believe that Chimalpopoca's death was part of a power struggle. They suggest that Itzcoatl led a group against the Tepanec Empire. Since Chimalpopoca was close to Tezozomoc, he became a target for Itzcoatl's group. After Itzcoatl's group won, the story was rewritten to blame the Tepanecs for Chimalpopoca's death.

See also

In Spanish: Chimalpopoca para niños

• List of Tenochtitlan rulers

Images for kids

• 

  Chimalpopoca dressed as the god Huitzilopochtli.

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  Chimalpopoca (on the right) being captured by the Tepanec people.