Ixtlilxochitl I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ixtlilxochitl I |
|
|---|---|
Ixtlilxochitl I in the Codex Ixtlilxochitl folio 107 recto
|
|
| Tlatoani of Texcoco | |
| Reign | 1409 - 1418 |
| Predecessor | Techotlalatzin |
| Successor | Nezahualcoyotl |
| Died | 1418 |
| Spouse | Matlalcihuatzin |
| Issue | Nezahualcoyotl |
| Father | Techotlalatzin |
Ixtlilxochitl Ome Tochtli (born 1380, died 1418) was an important ruler, known as a tlatoani, of the city-state of Texcoco. He ruled from 1409 to 1418. Ixtlilxochitl was also the father of Nezahualcoyotl, who later became a famous "poet-king." Texcoco was a powerful city in the Acolhua region, part of the larger Aztec world.
Contents
Becoming Ruler of Texcoco
Ixtlilxochitl became the tlatoani of Texcoco in 1409. This happened after his father, Techotlalatzin, passed away. His family believed they were descendants of legendary leaders like King Xolotl.
For some years, Ixtlilxochitl's city, Texcoco, had to pay a tax or "tribute" to the strong Tepanec city of Azcapotzalco. The ruler of Azcapotzalco was named Tezozomoc.
Ixtlilxochitl did not like paying tribute to Tezozomoc. Instead of marrying Tezozomoc's daughter, he chose to marry a Mexica princess named Matlalcihuatzin. She was the daughter of Huitzilihuitl, the tlatoani of Tenochtitlan.
Ixtlilxochitl Challenges Azcapotzalco
In 1414, Ixtlilxochitl decided to show his independence. He took on a special title: Chichimeca Tecuhtli. This means "Lord of the Chichimecs." He then asked the Mexica people to join him in fighting against Azcapotzalco.
However, Huitzilihuitl, the ruler of Tenochtitlan, did not agree. He continued to support Tezozomoc and Azcapotzalco. This might have been because Huitzilihuitl's own wife was Tezozomoc's daughter.
Battles with Tezozomoc
Because Ixtlilxochitl challenged him, Tezozomoc gathered a large army. This army included soldiers from the Mexica people. They marched against Texcoco. At first, Tezozomoc's army had some success, but Ixtlilxochitl's forces pushed them back.
After this victory, Ixtlilxochitl took the fight to Azcapotzalco. His army surrounded the city for several months, trying to take it over. This is called a "siege." However, Ixtlilxochitl could not capture Azcapotzalco, so he ended the siege and went back to Texcoco.
The next year, Tezozomoc's Tepanec army, along with Mexica soldiers, attacked Texcoco again. This time, they forced Ixtlilxochitl out of his city. He was eventually trapped in the hills near Mount Tlaloc.
His young son, Nezahualcoyotl, saw his father's death from a tree nearby.
Texcoco After Ixtlilxochitl's Death
After Ixtlilxochitl died, Texcoco became a city that had to pay tribute to Tenochtitlan. His son, Nezahualcoyotl, had to leave and live in exile in Huexotzingo.
Ten years later, Nezahualcoyotl returned. With the help of Itzcoatl, who would become the future tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, Nezahualcoyotl got revenge for his father's death. He successfully took back control of Texcoco.
Images for kids
-
A friendly robot to guide you.
See also
In Spanish: Ixtlilxochitl para niños
