Cuitlahuac The tenth tlatoani of the Aztec Empire Date of Birth: 01.01.1476 Country: Operator

1. Tenth Tlatoani of the Aztec Empire
2. Brief Reign and Dynasty
3. Witness to Conquest
4. Rise to Power
5. Sudden Demise
6. Legacy

Tenth Tlatoani of the Aztec Empire

Cuitláhuac, the tenth Tlatoani (emperor) of the Aztec Empire, ascended to the throne in a tumultuous period amidst the Spanish invasion led by Hernán Cortés.

Brief Reign and Dynasty

Cuitláhuac's reign lasted a mere 80 days (four Aztec months) in the year 1520, designated as "Two Flint." He hailed from the Acamapichtli dynasty as the eleventh son of Axayácatl (1469-1481) and the younger brother of Montezuma II. Before his accession, he held the title of lord of Istapalapan, which he inherited from his maternal grandfather, also named Cuitláhuac.

Witness to Conquest

During the early stages of the Spanish conquest, Cuitláhuac was held captive along with Montezuma. After Pedro de Alvarado's massacre at the Central Temple of Tenochtitlan, Montezuma proposed freeing his brother as a potential means of appeasing the rebellious Aztec population.

Rise to Power

Following his release, Cuitláhuac was elected as Tlatoani and led the Aztec counterattack known as the "Night of Sorrows." By June 30, 1520, the Spanish had been driven from the Valley of Mexico.

Sudden Demise

However, Cuitláhuac's reign was short-lived. After only 80 days on the throne, he succumbed to smallpox, a disease inadvertently introduced by the Spaniards. His brother and co-ruler (Siuacoatl), Matlazincatzin, abdicated on the same day, leaving governance in the hands of Cuauhtémoc.

Legacy

Cuitláhuac's name continues to resonate in modern Mexico. A city in Veracruz, a subway station in Mexico City, and numerous streets throughout the nation bear his name. Additionally, in 1979, asteroid number 2275 was named after him.