King Xolotl facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Xólotl
Tlatoani of Chichimecas
Successor	Nopaltzin
Issue	Queen Cuetlaxochitzin King Nopaltzin

Xolotl (also spelled Xólotl) was an important Chichimec leader in the 1200s. He was known as a Tlatoani, which means a ruler or king in the ancient Nahuatl language. His name came from the Aztec god Xolotl.

Who Were the Chichimec People?

The Chichimec were a group of people who lived in ancient Mexico. The Nahua peoples, like the Aztecs, used the name "Chichimec" to describe many different groups. These groups were often semi-nomadic, meaning they moved around a lot instead of staying in one place. They lived in the northern parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Xolotl's Legacy and Family

Xolotl is famous for founding the city of Tenayuca around the year 1224. This was a very important step in building the Chichimec kingdom.

After Xolotl, his son Nopaltzin became the next ruler. Nopaltzin worked to make the Chichimec Kingdom even stronger. Xolotl also had a daughter named Cuetlaxochitzin. She became the wife of Acolnahuacatl, a ruler from Azcapotzalco. Their son was the well-known Tezozomoc.

Honoring a King

When Xolotl passed away, nobles from all over the country gathered to honor him. They held a special ceremony to show their respect for their leader. His body was placed on a special chair for five days. After this, it was respectfully burned, following the Chichimec custom. The ashes were then collected in a stone urn. This urn was displayed for forty days in a royal hall, where nobles came daily to remember their king. Finally, the urn was carried to a cave near the city, with many people showing their sadness.

See also

In Spanish: Xólotl para niños