Biography of Cuauhtemoc | Last Aztec Emperor, called by the Spanish Guatimocin. Successor of Moctezuma II and Cuitlahuac.

(Tenochtitlán, today city of Mexico, 1496 - Yucatán current Honduras, 1525) Last Aztec Emperor, called by the Spanish Guatimocin. Successor of Moctezuma II and Cuitlahuac, tenaciously defended the city of Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire, from the siege of the Spanish troops under the command of Hernán cuts. The fall of the city and the capture and subsequent execution of Cuauhtemoc ended one of the most brilliant pre-Columbian civilizations.

The Aztec Emperor Cuauhtemoc

The Aztec King Ahuizotl'sson, was an orphan being still a child and received an aristocratic education, as it was up to a member of royalty: acquired knowledge preparing him for adult life in a calmecac (Center with functions of College and monastery). He married Tecuichpo, one of the daughters of the then Emperor Moctezuma II, who had succeeded Ahuizotl in the throne.

Cuauhtémoc, name meaning «Eagle falling», was a bitter enemy of the Spaniards, especially after the massacre at Tenochtitlán (on May 23, 1520) by the Lieutenant's Hernán Cortés, Pedro de Alvarado. The brutal action of the Spanish Captain caused the violent reaction of the Aztec people. Exasperated by the submission of Moctezuma II Spaniards, Indians stoned their own Emperor, who died shortly after, and laid siege to the Spaniards; under the direction of Cortes, who had returned to the city, managed to flee the Aztec capital the night of June 30 to July 1, later called "Noche Triste".

As Hernán Cortés and his men, supported by the Tlaxcalans, prepared to attack again Tenochtitlan, the Aztec Crown fell to a brother of Moctezuma II, Cuitláhuac. But Cuitláhuac died a few months after, victim of the epidemic of smallpox, introduced by the Spanish from Cuba, caused havoc on the Aztecs. After his death, the nobility appointed as successor on the throne to Cuauhtemoc, who had distinguished himself by his bravery against the Spaniards. He was also Chief of Tlatelolco, and despite his 24 years, he had considerable military experience.

Cuauhtemoc accountability

Unfortunately, Cuauhtémoc could not count with the support of the cities and communities hitherto subject to the Aztec rule, that Cortes had skillfully attracted to the Spanish side. He tried to win for their cause to various indigenous groups in the Valley, but failed and was in a position of extreme weakness. Before the imminent offensive of the invaders, the new emperor ordered the construction of fortifications and organized the defense of Tenochtitlan.

After more than three months of site, the Spaniards managed to overcome tenacious resistance and razed the city. its inhabitants were treated cruelly and lavish temples and palaces, symbols of their civilization were destroyed. Cuauhtémoc was taken prisoner on August 13, 1521, as he tried to flee to Texcoco.

Since then and until the time of his death he remained captive, being tortured to reveal the place where the Royal treasure was hiding. Finally, fearing that to organize a new revolt, Cortés took with him to Cuauhtemoc, along with other Aztec nobles, an expedition to the territory of the current Honduras. During the meeting, such a Granadaos accused Cuauhtemoc of having participated in an alleged conspiracy, and was hanged along with other major Aztec.

Extracted from the website: Biografías y Vidas