The Nahua peoples arrived in the Basin of Mexico from northern areas around 1250CE. They spoke the Nahuatl language, which described their people as emerging from a mythical place called Aztlan. These peoples were labeled "Aztec" by modern historians, simple because the word means "people of Aztlan" in Nahuatl. Although, it is important to note that prior to Spanish colonization the Aztec label refers to the Mexica tribes specifically. Aztec has now come to refer to all pre-Columbian peoples residing in what is now Central Mexico. This explanation seems very convoluted, even unnecessarily complicated. Yet it is helpful to understand when we examine the events of the Tepanec Civil War.
During the 15th century, the Mexica and Tepanec societies were quite powerful, and supported each other. In 1426, when the Tepanec king (Tezozomoc) passed away, his son Tayahauh was to take the throne. The Mexica monarch supported the change, unfortunately Tezozomoc's other son Maxtla did not. Maxtla was so incensed at being passed over that he turned against all those who opposed him and recruited sympathizers. Mexica king Chimalpopoca strongly supported the legitimate heir to the Tepanec throne, ordering his people to do the same. Unfortunately Maxtla was not intimidated, and ended up assassinating Chimalpopoca.
Itzcoatl was the next Mexica king, but he was no supporter of Maxtla either. Itzcoatl believed Maxtla was hiding in the magnificent Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, and decided to flush him out in two rather ingenious ways. First, the city was blockaded. No supplies could go in or out, farmers could not tend their crops and trade was halted. The second strategy was in imposing increased tribute payments to the throne. Itzcoatl believed either starvation or the people would drive Maxtla out of Tenochtitlan so they could gain their freedom back. Instead Maxtla escaped the city, bringing with him anyone incensed by the actions of Itzcoatl. Civil war raged on for a full year.
Finally, Maxtla was killed and a treaty was formed among the monarchs of the three tribal nations. Lands were divided up equally among the three cities; tribute payments were also portioned out and each of the three kings were deemed "Elder Speaker", the equivalent of emperor. The Triple Aztec Alliance governed Central Mexico for almost 100 years, until Hernan Cortez and the Spanish conquered the area.
The names may be different and not easy to pronounce, yet the story of the Tepanec Civil War is not unusual. An heir takes the thrown, a resentful sibling or family member tries to overthrow them. Sometimes their efforts were successful, and other times they failed. When you travel to Mexico, no matter what the exact destination is, remember the history of the land is as rich and dramatic as any other nation on earth. Make an effort to learn a little bit about the area you are traveling to, it will make your time there much more interesting!
During the 15th century, the Mexica and Tepanec societies were quite powerful, and supported each other. In 1426, when the Tepanec king (Tezozomoc) passed away, his son Tayahauh was to take the throne. The Mexica monarch supported the change, unfortunately Tezozomoc's other son Maxtla did not. Maxtla was so incensed at being passed over that he turned against all those who opposed him and recruited sympathizers. Mexica king Chimalpopoca strongly supported the legitimate heir to the Tepanec throne, ordering his people to do the same. Unfortunately Maxtla was not intimidated, and ended up assassinating Chimalpopoca.
Itzcoatl was the next Mexica king, but he was no supporter of Maxtla either. Itzcoatl believed Maxtla was hiding in the magnificent Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, and decided to flush him out in two rather ingenious ways. First, the city was blockaded. No supplies could go in or out, farmers could not tend their crops and trade was halted. The second strategy was in imposing increased tribute payments to the throne. Itzcoatl believed either starvation or the people would drive Maxtla out of Tenochtitlan so they could gain their freedom back. Instead Maxtla escaped the city, bringing with him anyone incensed by the actions of Itzcoatl. Civil war raged on for a full year.
Finally, Maxtla was killed and a treaty was formed among the monarchs of the three tribal nations. Lands were divided up equally among the three cities; tribute payments were also portioned out and each of the three kings were deemed "Elder Speaker", the equivalent of emperor. The Triple Aztec Alliance governed Central Mexico for almost 100 years, until Hernan Cortez and the Spanish conquered the area.
The names may be different and not easy to pronounce, yet the story of the Tepanec Civil War is not unusual. An heir takes the thrown, a resentful sibling or family member tries to overthrow them. Sometimes their efforts were successful, and other times they failed. When you travel to Mexico, no matter what the exact destination is, remember the history of the land is as rich and dramatic as any other nation on earth. Make an effort to learn a little bit about the area you are traveling to, it will make your time there much more interesting!
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