This is a list of Aztec Emperors, the rulers of Tenochtitlan, a Mesoamerican altepetl located in what is now Mexico City. They ruled from its foundation in 1325 until the end of the line of indigenous leaders. Starting in 1375, the leaders began using the title tlatoani, which translates to “speaker” or “chief.”
Detailed List of Aztec Emperors
Tozcuecuextli ➤ 1239-1278
Born around 1200 near Xaltocan, Iztacmixcoatzin was the origin of the Nahuatlacas and Mexicas. Educated in a calpulli of builders, he led after his father’s death in 1233. In 1226 he married Tlaquilxochitzin, with whom he had Huitzilíhuitl I, his successor. He led the migration into the Sierra de Guadalupe, exploiting resources such as timber and andesite.
In 1245, he defeated Colhuacán and established marriage alliances that strengthened important lineages. Although they faced wars, such as that of Tecpayocan, they achieved victories that consolidated Mexica power, leaving a solid foundation for their future history.
Huehue Huitzilíhuitl ➤ 1278-1299
Huehue Huitzilihuitl, born in 1227 in Tizayocan, was the first Mexica tlatoani and excelled as a leader and warrior. Son of Tozcuecuextli and Tlaquilxochitzin, he accompanied his father in the migration that culminated in the founding of Huixachtitlan in 1240. In 1274, he founded Cuauhmixtitlan as a new strategic capital. His town grew in importance and conquered Chapultepec, forming a brief alliance with Huixachtitlan and Cuauhmixtitlan.
Ilancuéitl ➤ 1299-1347
Ilancuéitl, whose name means ‘old woman’s skirt’ in Nahuatl, is a historical figure linked to the Mexica nobility in the 14th century. Although records are contradictory due to elite influence, she is believed to have ruled between 1299 and 1347, at the beginning of Mexica imperial history. This period, crucial to the founding of Mexico-Tenochtitlan in 1325, is full of historical gaps, marked by wars, alliances and the influence of Colhuacán and Coatlichan. His life reflects the complex transition to Mexica power in central Mexico.
Tenoch ➤ 1325-1363
Tenoch was a leader of the Aztecs in the 14th century, during their migration from Aztlan to what would become Tenochtitlan. Initially called Tenochcas and later Mexica, the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan elected him as their chief through a council of elders. According to records, he died between 1350 and 1375. Tenoch was one of the nine leaders who led the Mexica people in their search for the promised divine sign.
Acamapichtli ➤ 1366-1387
Acamapichtli, the first tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, assumed power at the age of 20. He arrived in the city with great ceremony and strengthened alliances by marrying Ilancueitl, daughter of the ruler of Culhuacan, and women from every calpulli.
During his reign, Tenochtitlan became tributary to Azcapotzalco, fought wars under his rule and expanded its territory with chinampas. He also improved the city by building the Templo Mayor, dividing it into four quarters and replacing reed houses with stone houses. He was a skilful leader who preferred political alliances over conflict, consolidating the basis of the future Aztec Empire.
Huitzilihuitl ➤ 1391-1415
Huitzilíhuitl, whose name means ‘hummingbird feather’, was the second Mexica tlatoani, ruling from 1391 to 1415. Son of Acamapichtli, he was chosen for his noble and peaceful character. His greatest political achievement was to marry the daughter of Tezozómoc, ruler of Azcapotzalco, reducing tribute to token payments. In return, he led conquests for the Tepanecas, such as Chalco and Cuautitlán.
He was the first warrior tlatoani, forming armies and fostering military life among the Mexica. He died young, at the age of 35, leaving behind an organised kingdom and a military tradition that marked his people.
Chimalpopoca ➤ 1415-1427
Chimalpopoca was the Aztecs’ tlatoani from 1415 to 1427. Some scholars believe he was Tezozomoc’s grandson. Following Tezozomoc’s death, his son Maxtla ordered assassins to eliminate Chimalpopoca. Maxtla tried and failed to assassinate Netzahualcoyotl, the tlatoani of Texcoco.
List of Aztec Emperors: Leaders of the Triple Alliance
Between 1427 and 1521, the tlatoque (plural of tlatoani) of Tenochtitlan, along with the rulers of Tetzcoco and Tlacopan, led the Triple Alliance, known as the Aztec Empire. The rulers of Tenochtitlan were the most prominent and eventually became the absolute leaders of the empire.
Itzcoatl ➤ 1427-1440
Itzcoatl served as the tlatoani of the Aztecs from 1427 to 1440. He, along with Tlacaelel and Montezuma I, planned the Triple Alliance. Itzcoatl was part of the army that destroyed Atzcapotzalco. After this, Tenochtitlán became the most powerful city-state in the Valley of Mexico.
Montezuma I ➤ 1440-1469
Montezuma I Ihuilcamina was tlatoani of the Aztecs from 1440 to 1469. He extended the Empire’s borders and focused on solidifying the newly acquired territory through marital alliances and appointing city leaders.
Axayácatl ➤ 1450-1481
Axayácatl, huey tlatoani , was noted for his military and political leadership. Son of Atotoztli II and Tezozómoc, he succeeded Moctezuma I thanks to his bravery in battle, although he faced family tensions. During his rule, he put down rebellions, conquered regions such as the Toluca Valley and engaged the Purepecha in a devastating war that ended in defeat, dealing a heavy blow to the Mexica.
His legacy includes important conquered territories, but also the beginning of reflections on military strategy and technology after his confrontation with the Purepecha. He was succeeded by his brother Tízoc.
List of Aztec Emperors: Centralization of Power in Tenochtitlan
Under Tīzoc Chālchiuhtlatona (1481-1486) and Ahuitzotl (1486-1502), the tlatoani of Tenochtitlan adopted the title huehuetlatoani (“great speaker”) to highlight their dominance over the other alliance leaders. This process culminated in 1502, when Moctezuma II was elected huehuetlatoani without the participation of Tetzcoco and Tlacopan, consolidating centralised power in Tenochtitlan.
Tīzoc Chālchiuhtlatona ➤ 1481-1486
Tizoc ruled the Aztecs from 1481 to 1486. He exemplifies a feeble leader of the Aztec Empire. His coronation war was a defeat. After that, cities began to rebel because they did not fear him.
Under Tizoc or his successor Ahuitzotl, the title huehuetlatoani (“supreme tlatoani”) was introduced to emphasize Tenochtitlan’s dominance. Scholars believe he died of poison.
Ahuitzotl ➤ 1486-1502
Ahuitzotl ruled the Aztecs from 1486 to 1502. After his coronation war, he held four straight days of sacrifices at the Templo Mayor, proving his power to vassals. He expanded the Aztecs’ trade routes and likely solidified the use of the title huehuetlatoani for Tenochtitlan’s rulers.
Montezuma II ➤ 1502-1520
Montezuma II Xocoyotzin served as the ruler of the Aztecs from 1502 until 1520. Under his reign, the tlatoani position transitioned to a fully autocratic role, without input from Texcoco or Tlacopan. He held absolute power in the empire. Portents of coming problems began early in his reign. His cihuacóatl was a subordinate, not an equal.
Cuitlahuac ➤ 1520-1520
Cuitlahuac ruled briefly in 1520 during the Spanish conquest.
Cuauhtemoc ➤ 1520-1521
Cuauhtemoc served as the last tlatoani from 1520 to 1521. He was captured during the fall of Tenochtitlán.
List of Aztec Emperors (Appointed by the Spanish)
In 1521, the Aztec Empire was conquered by the Spanish led by Hernán Cortés, with the support of numerous indigenous allies.Mexico City was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. Although the office of tlatoani continued under Spanish rule, it was abolished in 1565.
Juan Velázquez Tlacotzin ➤ 1525-1526
Juan Velázquez Tlacotzin, grandson of Tlacaelel, was cihuacoatl and captain of Cuauhtémoc during the siege of Tenochtitlan. After the Mexica surrender, he converted to Christianity and accompanied Hernán Cortés on his expedition to Mayan lands. In 1525, after Cuauhtémoc’s execution, he was appointed huey tlatoani by Cortés, who dressed him in Spanish style. He ruled for three years, but died in 1526 in Nochixtlán due to illness, without returning to Tenochtitlan.
Andrés de Tapia Motelchiuh ➤ 1526-1530
Andrés de Tapia Motelchiuh, a commoner turned prominent captain, was tlatoani of Tenochtitlan between 1526 and 1530 after being appointed by Cortés following the death of Tlacotzin. During his tenure, the Mexica titles were eliminated by the Spaniards. He was killed in 1530 by a Chichimec arrow during an expedition to Teocolhuacan, leaving a son named Hernando de Tapia.
Pablo Xochiquentzin ➤ 1530-1536
Pablo Xochiquentzin was tlatoani of Tenochtitlan between 1530 and 1536, although he did not come from the nobility, being more of a cuāuhtlahto. He was related to Martin Ocelotl, an Aztec persecuted by the Inquisition. After his death in 1536, the Spanish intensified their fight against paganism and the indigenous elite.
