The “Rise of the Aztecs” series ended with the siege put on Tenochtitlan in the beginning of 1428. Prepared, the island-city didn’t panic, blocking the causeways and making sure no water-borne offensive could have been launched by the angered Tepanecs. Itzcoatl and Tlacaelel were ready,... Read More
In ‘The Rise of the Aztecs Part VIII’, we left Tenochtitlan in turmoil, shattered by the violent death of its lawful Emperor. How dared the Tepanecs to do that? And did it mean war? The people of Tenochtitlan were worried, fearing the powerful, ruthless, and... Read More
In ‘The Rise of the Aztecs Part VII’, we left Nezahualcoyotl enjoying his life in Tenochtitlan, but missing his beautiful Texcoco; and probably, his royal status as well. Yet, this young man had evidently learned from the mistakes of his father. To try to mobilize... Read More
In ‘The Rise of the Aztecs Part VI’, we left the Tepanec Empire ruling the lands around Lake Texcoco, holding the whole Valley of Mexico in their firm grip. Yet, eastward to Texcoco, over the high ridges where the Nahua, Mixtec were inclined favorably toward... Read More
In 1414 Texcoco had rebelled against the mighty Tepanecs, dealing surprisingly well with the invasion that the mighty empire had promptly organized, landing almost thousand warriors upon Texcoco shores. The first offensive was repelled so thoroughly, the Tepanecs bolted for home with encouraged Acolhua gathering... Read More
In ‘The Rise of the Aztecs Part V Texcoco, The Acolhua Capital’, we left the Valley of Mexico boiling, preparing for the upcoming war between the mighty Tepanec Empire and the rebellious Acolhua people of Texcoco, with the Aztecs sitting safely on the fence, smooth-talking... Read More
In ‘The Rise of the Aztec Part IV’, we left the Aztecs prospering, developing their island-city, in good grace with their overlords, the Tepanecs, and generally well off. With the growing trade Tenochtitlan began to evolve into a real altepetl. The increasing amount of independent... Read More
While wandering the broad, perfectly clean streets of Azcapotzalco, Tenochtitlan or Texcoco, you could be surprised to find them nearly deserted, with even the main road leading to the marketplace empty of passersby. In such large altepetls this occurrence would be highly unusual, even when large... Read More
Many sources report him to be the First Son of the Second Mexica Ruler, Huitzilihuitl; or at least one of the tlatoani’s first children. A legitimate son, he possessed it all – the birthright, the brilliance, the drive, the ability to work hard – all... Read More
I met Moctezuma Xocoyotzin on Twitter and quickly grew addicted to his tweets, following and re-tweeting, fascinated and intrigued. It felt like I just managed to jump back in time, to the glorious times when the Aztec Empire was still ruling Mesoamerica almost from coast to... Read More