Cuauhtémoc, The Last Aztec Emperor to Fight Against the Spanish

Cuauhtémoc (meaning ‘Setting Sun’ or ‘Descending Eagle’) was the 11th Tlatoani (literally meaning ‘speaker’, but may also be translated as ‘king’) of Tenochtitlan, and the last ruler of the Aztec Empire. Cuauhtémoc ruled between 1520 and 1521, which was a time when the Spanish conquistadors were on the verge of subduing the Aztec Empire. Cuauhtémoc chose not to surrender to the invaders, but fought fiercely against them. Although Cuauhtémoc would ultimately fail to halt the Spanish conquest, he would be remembered positively. Even today, Cuauhtémoc is perceived by most Mexicans as a heroic figure who defended his culture against foreign invaders and as a symbol of resistance.

The Early Life of Cuauhtémoc

Cuauhtémoc is believed to have been born around 1495, though the exact year is of his birth is unknown. Little is known about Cuauhtémoc prior to his ascension to the Aztec throne. It is known that Cuauhtémoc’s family had produced many tlatoque (the plural form of tlatoani). His grandfather and two uncles are recorded to have held this position of power. Furthermore, the two Aztec rulers preceding Cuauhtémoc (Moctezuma II, and his immediate successor, Cuitláhuac) were his cousins. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the young Cuauhtémoc had risen through the ranks of the Aztec elite, acquiring the post of tlacatécatl (general), and was part of a committee of nobles who were ruling the district of Tlatelolco.