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Aztec Emperor Moctezuma I

Type Figure Region Valley of Mexico Time c. 1398–1469 Also known as Motecuhzoma I、Moctezuma Ilhuicamina

Fifth tlatoani of Aztec Tenochtitlan (r. c. 1440–1469), a Mexica royal who succeeded Itzcoatl, expanded tribute territories, built the great temple a…

Timeline

  1. c. 1398–1440Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoBorn into the Mexica ruling class, he grew up under rulers such as Itzcoatl, receiving military and priestly training that laid the foundation for his later rule of the city-state and leadership in foreign campaigns.
  2. 1440–1465Tenochtitlan · Aztec Triple AllianceIn 1440 he succeeded Itzcoatl, continuing the gains of the latter's reign (1428): the defeat of Azcapotzalco and the formation of the Triple Alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan. Together with allies such as Nezahualcoyotl he waged annual campaigns annexing neighboring city-states, enlarged the great temple, and built a twin-channel aqueduct system.
  3. 1465–1469Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoIn his later years he continued to consolidate the tribute system and the order of religious sacrifice, relying on senior ministers such as Tlacaelel to carry out state ideological reforms. He died in 1469 and was succeeded by Axayacatl, ushering the empire into a new phase of expansion.

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