Moctezuma ii

The Life of Moctezuma II

By HiimLindsey
  • Jan 1, 1466

    Born

    Born
    Though the exact day and month are not known, Moctezuma II was born in 1466 in Tenochitlan, Mexico
  • Period: Jan 1, 1466 to Jan 1, 1502

    Trained as a Priest

    Before becoming Emperor of the Aztec Empire, Moctezuma II trained as a priest. Little is known about this time in Moctezuma's life.
  • Jan 1, 1481

    Death of Father

    Death of Father
    Moctezuma II's father, Axayacatl, ruled the Aztec Empire from 1469-1481 when he died leaving his brother, Tizoc, to take over the throne.
  • Jan 1, 1502

    Becoming Emperor

    Becoming Emperor
    In 1502, Moctezuma II became Emperor of the Aztec Empire. Even before he received this position, he was considered a powerful ruler and general. (Exact Date is unknown)
  • Jan 1, 1509

    Birth of Isabel Moctezuma

    Birth of Isabel Moctezuma
    Isabel Moctezuma was the daughter and legitimate heir of Moctezuma II. Her mother was Teotlalco who was also Moctezuma's principal wife. After her father's death, Isabel married her uncle, Cuitláhuac, who then became ruler. Cuitláhuac was Emperor for only 80 days because he died of smallpox.
  • Jan 1, 1517

    News of Strangers Landing on the Coast

    News of Strangers Landing on the Coast
    Upon learning of the arrival of these new people, Moctezuma believed they were related to the gods. So, the Spaniards were allowed into the Empire without having to fight off the very successful Aztec army.
  • Jan 1, 1519

    Cortes Arrives at the Empire

    Cortes Arrives at the Empire
    As soon as Moctezuma heard the news that Cortes had finally arrived at his Empire, he sent for them and wished to meet with them immediately.
  • Nov 8, 1519

    Moctezuma II Meets Cortes

    Moctezuma II Meets Cortes
    On this day, Moctezuma II met the Spanish Conquerer Cortes. He thought that these new people were descendants of the gods and, therefore, allowed them into the Empire unchallenged, unaware of their intentions.
  • Jun 1, 1520

    Leading to Moctezuma's Death

    Leading to Moctezuma's Death
    Spaniards ordered Moctezuma II to go out onto his balcony and give a speech to his people. He then went on to state in his speech that they should retreat. The story goes that people then proceeded to throw rocks and darts at him which might have caused him to die soon after.
  • Jun 29, 1520

    Died

    Died
    Moctezuma II died during a battle against the Spanish Conquerers, but is very controversal. Opinions vary from him being stabbed by Cortes when he was found useless to the Spanish Conquest, to being killed by a rock thrown by one of his own people.