Montezuma’s accession to power in 1502 came at a pivotal time for Aztec civilization, leading to turbulent final years before colliding with European forces…
Montezuma’s accession to power in 1502 came at a pivotal time for Aztec civilization, leading to turbulent final years before colliding with European forces and leading directly into one of their bloodiest encounters with Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes and his forces of conquest. Mocteuccoma or Montezuma II oversaw profound cultural development which ultimately ended with their bloody confrontation against Spanish forces led by Hernan Cortes and his soldiers enslaved under him.
Montezuma ruled Tenochtitlan, within modern Mexico City, from 1325-1338 as Emperor. As Emperor he controlled an empire stretching across both coasts from Atlantic to Pacific; ruling vassal tribes and sub kingdoms that sent gifts, tribute, food, slaves and human sacrifices back to Tenochtitlan’s capital city of Tenochtitlan. Rulership wasn’t hereditary – rather a council of 30 elders selected on merit and lineage decided its rulership conferred on Montezuma as prince from noble lineage who distinguished himself during battle, while being known for great learning encompassing politics religion and warfare – making him the obvious choice as Emperor and ruler!
Montezuma had been groomed since childhood to assume an important role within his empire. Raised at Calmecac School for Nobility in lavish palaces, he received extensive instruction in its laws, culture and traditions as well as receiving rigorous military training – eventually leading the conquest of neighboring states to expand it further.
Under Cortes’s reign as Emperor, Tenochtitlan flourished. Situated on an island in Lake Texcoco and filled with temples and pyramids, public squares, art galleries, libraries, armories and pleasure gardens–Tenochtitlan was an impressive city which left visitors dazzled. European visitors marveled at this city of such splendor; Cortes wrote to Carlos V of Spain to tell him of Tenochtitlan having bridges which could hold 10 horses at once as well as an elaborate palace complex that contained an aviary, markets, zoo and botanical garden among other wonders!
Montezuma’s initial encounters with the Spanish were far too powerful for him to effectively resist their advance. Cortes had already captured much of today’s Veracruz region before marching inland towards Montezuma’s empire; on this journey he defeated and allied with numerous tribes, such as Tlaxcala whose leader had twice attempted to overthrow Montezuma. Along the way he defeated and allied with several tribes including those opposed to Montezuma, such as Tlaxcala who had twice tried overthroning Montezuma himself; along the way Cortes also defeated and allied with several tribes that once opposed Montezuma; many other tribes supported him along his march towards Montezuma himself.