Nezahualpilli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nezahualpilli I |
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A picture of Nezahualpilli from an old book called the Codex Ixtlilxochitl.
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| Tlatoani of Texcoco | |
| Reign | 1473–1515 |
| Predecessor | Nezahualcoyotl |
| Successor | Cacama |
| Born | 1464 |
| Died | 1515 |
| Issue | Cacama Many other children |
| Father | Nezahualcoyotl |
| Mother | Azcalxochitzin |
Nezahualpilli (which means "fasting prince" in Nahuatl) was a powerful ruler, or tlatoani, of the ancient city-state of Texcoco. He lived from 1464 to 1515. Texcoco was an important city in Mesoamerica, a region in what is now Mexico and Central America.
Nezahualpilli became king in 1473. He was chosen by the nobles of Texcoco after his father, Nezahualcoyotl, passed away in 1472. His mother was Azcalxochitzin. She married Nezahualcoyotl after her first husband, King Cuahcuauhtzin, died.
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A Wise and Fair Ruler
Nezahualpilli was known for being very wise. People also thought he was a fair leader. Like his father, he enjoyed writing poems. Only one of his poems is still known today. It is called "Song of Nezahualpilli during the war with Huexotzinco."
Court of Knowledge
His royal court was a special place for smart people. It welcomed astronomers, who study stars, and engineers, who design buildings. It also had soothsayers, who tried to predict the future.
Changes in Law
During his time as ruler, Nezahualpilli made some important changes. He stopped using very harsh punishments for certain crimes. He also worked hard to keep Texcoco independent. This was important because the Aztec Empire, centered in Tenochtitlán, was becoming more powerful.
Nezahualpilli and Moctezuma II
Nezahualpilli had a famous meeting with Moctezuma II, the emperor of the Aztec Empire. Nezahualpilli's wise men, called Tlamatini, had a vision. They believed that people from other lands would soon rule the Valley of Mexico.
The Ball Game Challenge
Nezahualpilli shared this important message with Emperor Moctezuma II. Moctezuma, who was also known as the Hueyi Tlatoani (Great Speaker), challenged Nezahualpilli to a Mesoamerican ball game. This game was very important in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Moctezuma saw losing the game as a bad sign for the future.
Succession
Nezahualpilli was a long-reigning ruler. After his death in 1515, his son, Cacama, became the next king of Texcoco.
See also
In Spanish: Nezahualpilli para niños
