The Aztecs and Moctezuma II: One of the Final Rulers of the Aztec Empire

In the many hundreds of years since the Aztecs existed, their legacy has continued to persist through language, architecture, art, and a calendar system which largely influenced the modern one. But it may be the Aztec’s creativity that helped them to develop a thriving empire and keep their enemies at bay.

So what were the origins of this dominant empire, and which of its leaders played a significant role in both its success and downfall?

The Origins of the Aztecs and Their Major City

The precise origins of the Aztec people are somewhat unknown, yet historians believe that they came from a nomadic tribe of hunter-gatherers in northern Mexico. In fact, it may be the case that the name “Aztec” was derived from their potential homeland Aztlan - also known as “White Land” in the Aztec’s Nahuatl language. Interestingly, the Aztecs were also known as the Mexica and the Tenochca.

Although their exact genesis is debated, it is a relatively concrete fact that the Aztecs arrived in Mesoamerica at the start of the 13th century. Supposedly under the direction of their patron god Huitzilopochtli, they built their most famous city, Tenochtitlan - the name of which was derived from their alter-name, the Tenochca.

Aztec legend describes how Huitzilopochtli gave instructions to create their colony on the spot where a giant eagle was to be found eating a snake atop a cactus. Thus, upon locating such an area in Anahuac, the Aztecs drained the swampy land and built a settlement of artificial islands in roughly 1325 CE. This settlement was to become Tenochtitlan.

The Aztec Religion

Similar to other Mesoamerican tribes, the Aztecs were polytheistic. Therefore, they worshipped many gods, such as Huitzilopochtli - the god of war and sun - Tlaloc - god of rain - and Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent god who played a prominent role in the Aztec culture.

One of the Aztec’s major temples, Templo Mayor, was devoted to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. What’s more, similar to their neighbouring tribes, the Aztecs were also known for engaging in human sacrifice. In order to accurately follow a strict religious and agricultural schedule, they developed an advanced calender system of 365 days. 

The Aztec Lifestyle

As the Aztecs were skilled hunter-gatherers, they supported their livelihood by hunting the small animals native to the area, including rabbits, turkeys, coyotes, armadillos, and even snakes. What’s more, they planted a range of vegetation such as the cacao tree, maize, potatoes, avocados, and beans. 

Interestingly, the Aztecs were one of the first known civilisations to make education compulsory for all individuals. However, it was likely their creativity and prowess in the field of agriculture which truly left their mark on civilisation: the Aztecs developed a sophisticated system of irrigating and cultivating their land, which allowed them to fund and build a powerful military and, thus, an empire. 

Unfortunately, the Aztec's achievements were largely disregarded by the invading Spanish conquerors and subsequent occupiers. For this reason, after invasion, the combination of new regulations, and introduction of diseases to which the Aztecs had never been exposed - such as smallpox - created a mass wipe-out of the Aztec civilisation. 

Moctezuma II - One of the Final Aztec Leaders

Moctezuma II is considered to be the most famous of the Aztec leaders as he ruled the city of Tenochtitlan and its surrounding empire prior to the Conquistadors' invasion. During this time of Spanish invasion - around 1521 AD - he became a figurehead of inspiration and resistance to his people. 

In the year 1502, Moctezuma took over leadership of the Aztec empire from his uncle, Ahuitzotl. From the very start of his reign, he was subject to resistance from various tribes as they were demanding more victims for human sacrifice in return for favours from the Gods.

In fact, it is believed by historians that the Aztecs had a deep-rooted fear of the return of the “White Bearded God” - Quetzalcoatl - who would take over control of their empire. Yet, Moctezuma was a devout follower of Huitzilopochtli and believed that the god was guiding him through a turbulent time. Although he defeated many tribal rebellions, these battles nevertheless weakened the empire. 

It may be the case that Cortes, the Spanish Conquistador, took advantage of the Aztec fear of Quetzalcoatl, as he himself was both white and bearded. However, it is also debated that the Spanish created this legend of the Aztec’s fear of the white man and incorporated it into myth after their invasion. 

Unfortunately, towards the end of his life, Moctezuma may have lost some of his peoples’ allegiance, as he had initially intended to trap Cortes into submission by welcoming him into Tenochtitlan. However, Cortes quickly recognised this invitation as a trap and captured Moctezuma, believing that as long as he held the Aztec emperor captive, the Aztec people would respond to his commands submissively.

Consistent with Spanish accounts, Moctezuma ventured to speak to his people with the intent of reasoning with them, but he was pilloried with stones and arrows and sustained extensive injuries. Moctezuma apparently died from these wounds three days later. However, the Aztecs firmly believed that the Spanish killed their leader. They retaliated with force, and Cortes’ army was attacked as it attempted to flee Tenochtitlan under darkness. 

The Aztec empire was ruled by two more leaders after Moctezuma’s death, but their reigns were brief and the empire soon succumbed to the Spanish. Due to Mocetzuma’s role in the collapse of the empire, portrayals of him as a leader in the aftermath were largely negative. However, many of his peers were divided in their opinions of him: some viewed him as one of Mexico’s most prominent leaders, while others saw him as a power hungry despot. Regardless, Moctezuma’s legacy has pervaded through the ages and he will continue to be known as one of the most significant influencers of European and Native American history. 

How You Connect With the Aztec Civilisation

If you would like to find out whether you have a genetic connection with the Aztecs, upload your raw DNA results to the My True Ancestry website. Our advanced technologies can help you discover the true history of you!