Itzcoatl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Itzcoatl |
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Itzcoatl in the Codex Mendoza
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| Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan | |
| Reign | 1427–1440 |
| Predecessor | Xihuitl Temoc |
| Successor | Moctezuma I |
| Born | 1380 |
| Died | 1440 (aged 60) |
| Spouse | Huacaltzintli |
| Issue | Tezozomoc |
| Father | Acamapichtli |
| Mother | Tepanec woman from Azcapotzalco |
Itzcoatl (pronounced: itz-KOH-wahtl), whose name means "Obsidian Serpent," was a very important leader of the Aztec Empire. He was the fourth king, or tlatoani, of Tenochtitlan, a powerful city-state. He ruled from 1427 to 1440. Itzcoatl helped the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan break free from another group called the Tepanecs. He then formed a strong partnership, known as the Aztec Triple Alliance, with two other cities: Tetzcoco and Tlacopan. This alliance became the start of the mighty Aztec Empire.
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Itzcoatl's Story
Itzcoatl was the son of a previous king, tlatoani Acamapichtli. His mother was a Tepanec woman from a city called Azcapotzalco. Itzcoatl became king after his nephew, Chimalpopoca, was killed. Chimalpopoca was killed by Maxtla, the ruler of the nearby Tepanec city-state of Azcapotzalco.
Itzcoatl decided to fight back against Maxtla. He teamed up with Nezahualcoyotl, the wise ruler of Texcoco. Together, they defeated Maxtla and ended the Tepanec control over central Mexico. This was a huge victory for Tenochtitlan!
Forming the Triple Alliance
After their big win, Itzcoatl, Nezahualcoyotl, and Totoquilhuaztli (the king of Tlacopan) created a powerful partnership. This partnership became known as the Aztec Triple Alliance. This alliance was the foundation of the future Aztec Empire. It helped them become very strong and expand their control.
Expanding the Empire
Itzcoatl then focused on areas with special floating gardens called chinampas. These gardens were located on the southern shores of Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco. Fresh water springs there allowed many of these raised gardens to grow.
Itzcoatl led successful campaigns against several cities in this area. He conquered Xochimilco in 1430, Mixquic in 1432, and Cuitlahuac in 1433. He also took over Tezompa. These victories helped Tenochtitlan get important food supplies. Along with conquering Culhuacan and Coyoacán, these wins made the Triple Alliance very powerful in the southern Valley of Mexico.
After these many victories, Itzcoatl took a special title: Culhua teuctli, which means "Lord of the Culhua." Totoquilhuaztli, the king of Tlacopan, also took a title: Tepaneca teuctli, or "Lord of the Tepanecs." In 1439, Itzcoatl led another campaign outside the Valley of Mexico, against a city called Cuauhnahuac (Cuernavaca).
Changing History
According to old records, Itzcoatl ordered the burning of many historical codices (ancient books). He believed it was "not wise that all the people should know the paintings." This allowed the Aztec government to create its own official history and stories. These new stories often honored their main god, Huitzilopochtli.
Building Tenochtitlan
Itzcoatl also continued to build up the city of Tenochtitlan. During his time as king, new temples, roads, and a causeway (a raised road over water) were constructed. He also set up the religious and government systems that his nephew, Moctezuma I, would take over when Itzcoatl died in 1440.
Family
Itzcoatl was a son of King Acamapichtli. He was also the half-brother of Huitzilihuitl. This means he was the uncle of both Chimalpopoca and Moctezuma I.
He married a princess named Huacaltzintli. They had a son named Tezozomoc.
See also
In Spanish: Itzcóatl para niños
- List of Tenochtitlan rulers
- History of the Aztecs
