Cuauhtlatoani facts for kids
The Cuāuhtlahtoāni (say "Kwah-ooht-lah-TOH-ah-nee") was an important leader in the Aztec world. This special title was used for governors and administrators in different cities and regions of central Mexico. This was during a time called the Late Postclassic period, long before Europeans arrived. The word Cuāuhtlahtoāni comes from the Nahuatl language. It means "the one who speaks like an eagle." It also meant "military ruler" or "appointed administrator."
What Was a Cuāuhtlahtoāni?
During the time the Aztec Empire grew powerful, the main Aztec group, the Mexica-Tenochca, gave this title to governors. These governors were put in charge of cities they had conquered. This helped the empire control its new lands.
Cuāuhtlahtoāni vs. Tlatoani
A Tlatoani (say "Tlah-TOH-ah-nee") was a ruler who was independent. They were in charge of their own Aztec city-state, called an altepetl. A Cuāuhtlahtoāni, on the other hand, was appointed by a Tlatoani. This happened when a city lost its independence, usually after being conquered.
For example, the city of Tlatelolco lost its independence in 1473 CE. Its last independent ruler, Moquihuix, was defeated by Tenochtitlan. After that, Tlatelolco was ruled by Cuāuhtlahtoāni leaders. This continued until the death of Itzquauhtzin in 1520 CE.
Early Aztec Leaders
The title Cuāuhtlahtoāni was also used for some of the very early leaders of the Mexica people. These were the people who later became the Aztecs. They used this title during their long journey from the north into the Valley of Mexico. This was before they founded their famous city, Tenochtitlan, and before they built their empire.
A historian named Chimalpahin, who wrote in the early 1600s, listed some of these early Cuāuhtlahtoāni leaders:
- Cuauhtlequetzqui (1116-1153)
- Acacihtli (1153-1167)
- Citlalitzin (1167-1182)
- Tzimpantzin (1182-1184)
- Tlazohtzin (1184-1188)
- Iztacmixcoatzin or Iztacmixcohuatl (1188-1233)
- Tozcuecuextli (1233-1272)
See also
In Spanish: Cuauhtlahto para niños
