Montezuma was destined for greatness as the son of Tlatoani (an Aztec royal family considered divine) who were considered divine by Aztec society. Raised…
Montezuma was destined for greatness as the son of Tlatoani (an Aztec royal family considered divine) who were considered divine by Aztec society. Raised among an elite society with rigid stratification that favoring those at the top, he received training in warfare and politics while growing up opulent settings that rivalled Versailles – eventually rising to become Emperor over an empire with between 15-20 million subjects by age 40.
Montezuma differed from European kings in that he did not automatically assume his uncle Ahuitzotl’s throne upon his death in 1502; rather a council of elders selected him as a top candidate to rule based on his distinguished lineage and understanding of religion, politics, and power – qualities which also made him an outstanding military commander with vast campaigns of conquest and expansion under his command.
Montezuma’s reign also had another side, which some of his advisers saw as petty and self-serving. He took great comfort from favoring omens and prophecies, dismissing plebeians from court, demanding heavy tribute from conquered tribes, embarking on expeditions for sacrifice victims while in his mind acting on behalf of gods.
By the time of their arrival in Tenochtitlan, Montezuma had amassed an immense personal fortune. His palace featured hanging gardens and pools with fragrant water; there was even an exotic animal zoo full of exotic species! Additionally, Montezuma owned an immense variety of gold and silver jewelry; commissioned works of art from sculptors, gold and silversmiths, feather workers, painters and carpenters as well as his own staff of musicians, jugglers and acrobats under his command!
Montezuma received reports in 1519 of foreigners marching towards his capital and considered welcoming them; though it’s impossible to know whether his actions were solely motivated by intelligence or whether he sought to lure Cortes into an ambush.
Clendinnen’s book contends that the stereotype of Cortes as an unscrupulous conquistador who entered Tenochtitlan to capture Montezuma and rule Mexico through him is far too simplistic; the truth lies somewhere in between these extremes.