Cuitláhuac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuitláhuac |
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| 10th Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan Ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance |
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Cuitláhuac in the Primeros Memoriales.
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| Reign | 2 Flint 1520 |
| Predecessor | Montezuma II |
| Successor | Cuauhtémoc |
| Successor | Ixhuetzcatocatzin (Alonso) |
| Born | c. 1476 |
| Died | 2 Flint (1520; aged 44) |
| Spouse | A daughter of Moteixcahuia Quauhtlehuanitzin |
| Issue | Ixhuetzcatocatzin (Alonso) Ana Luisa two others |
| Father | Axayacatl |
| Mother | A daughter of Cuitlahuac I |
Cuitláhuac (born around 1476, died 1520) was a very important leader of the Aztec people. He became the 10th Tlatoani (emperor) of the city of Tenochtitlan for about 80 days in the year 1520. Cuitláhuac is remembered for leading the Aztec people against the Spanish invaders. This happened after his relative, Moctezuma II, passed away.
Contents
Biography of Cuitláhuac
Cuitláhuac was one of the many sons of a previous ruler named Axayacatl. He was also the younger brother of Moctezuma II, who was the emperor of Tenochtitlan when the Spanish arrived. Cuitláhuac's mother's father was also named Cuitláhuac, and he had been a ruler in a place called Iztapalapa. The younger Cuitláhuac also ruled in Iztapalapa for a time.
A Wise Warrior and Advisor
Cuitláhuac was a skilled warrior and a trusted advisor to Emperor Moctezuma. He wisely warned Moctezuma not to let the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, enter Tenochtitlan. However, his advice was not followed. Both Moctezuma and Cuitláhuac were later held captive by Cortés.
After a terrible event where many Aztec leaders were killed while Cortés was away, the Aztec people fought back. They surrounded the Spanish and their allies. Cuitláhuac was released by the Spanish, hoping he would help reopen the city's markets so they could get food.
Becoming Emperor
After Moctezuma's death, Cuitláhuac was chosen to be the new tlatoani. This happened after the Spanish and their allies were forced to leave Tenochtitlan on June 30, 1520. Some historical records suggest he might have been serving as a leader even before Moctezuma's death.
Cuitláhuac was also ritually married to Moctezuma's oldest daughter, who was a young girl at the time. She later became known as Isabel Moctezuma.
Cuitláhuac's reign as emperor was very short, lasting only 80 days. He likely died from smallpox, a disease that Europeans brought to the New World. The early historical accounts do not clearly state the exact cause of his death. Soon after Cuitláhuac passed away, Cuauhtémoc became the next tlatoani.
Cuitláhuac's Legacy
Cuitláhuac is remembered in modern Mexico. A municipality (a type of local government area) in Veracruz is named Cuitláhuac, Veracruz in his honor. Also, a station on the Mexico City Metro subway system is called Metro Cuitláhuac. Even an asteroid in space, 2275 Cuitláhuac, is named after this brave ruler.
There is also a major road in Mexico City called Cuitláhuac Avenue (Eje 3 Norte). It runs through an inner part of the city. Many other streets in towns and villages across Mexico are also named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Cuitláhuac para niños
