The Emperors Of The Aztec Empire

Name meaning: 'Handful of Reeds'

Born: at Tizaapan to Opochtli Iztahuatzin and Atotoztli

Married: at least four times. [1]Ilancueitl [2]Tezcatlan Miyahuatzin [3]Huitzilxotzin [4]Xiuhcuetzin

Died: 1395

Buried: n/a

Ruled: 1376-1395

Children: with [2]Huitzilihuitl [3]Tlatolqaca [4]Quatlecoatl; also Matlalxoch; Itzcoatl

Acamapichtli was born to Atotoztli, the daughter of Coxcoxtli, ruler of Culhuacan. His father was likely from a good social position as well, seemingly a leader amongst the Mexica. There are rumours that Acamapichtli was descended from Toltec stock, which added to his prestige. He lived with his mother at Texcoco when a young man. Acamapichtli married Ilancueitl, daughter of Culhuacan's ruler Acolmiztli. The marriage remained fruitless, so Acamapichtli took other wives. His first wife brought up and educated her step-son; as well as having a good relationship with his mother, the daughter of Acacitli, one of the Mexica chiefs. Not much is known about Acamapichtli's other wives. His early rule in Tenochtitlan saw him subservient to the Tepanec city of Azcapotzalco, to which Tenochtitlan paid monthly tribute. Despit this, he started to improve Tenochtitlan by building the Great Pyramid and expanding the Chinampa system. He is viewed as the first great legislator of Aztec law, and he encouraged wooden houses to be replaced by those made of stone. His coronation in 1382 was to set the standard for all future Aztec coronations. Acamapichtli died of natural causes leaving two sons who would succeed him. Huitzilihuitl

Name meaning: 'Hummingbird Feather'

Born: 1379 at Tenochtitlan to Acamapichtli and Tezcatlan Miyahuatzin

Married: [1]Ayauhcihuatl [2]Cacamacihuatl [3]Miahuaxihuitl [4]Miahuaxochtzin

Died: 1417

Buried: n/a

Ruled: 1396-1417

Children: with [1]Chimalpopoca [2]Tlacaelel [3]Moctezuma I [4]Huehue Zaca; also Citlalcoatl, Aztacoatl, Axicyotzin, Quauhtzitzimitzin, Xiconoc, Teotlatlauhqui, Cuitlahuatzin, Miccayaocihuatl, Matlalchihuatzin

Huitzilihuitl came to the throne aged 16 following his father's death. He had his coronation within his first year on the throne. Like his father, the young King chose diplomacy over warfare, making many allies. He was an astute politician. One of his key establishments was the Royal council. Huitzilihuitl only chose to marry additional wives following the death of his first, Ayauhcihuatl. His first marriage proved extremely popular with Tenochtitlan's population. Huitzilihuitl's third wife was said to have been extremely beautiful, and like his first wife was equally popular. One of Huitzilihuitl's improvements was the growth of the cotton industry, so that commerce and comfort both improved exponentially. He died of natural causes and would be succeeded by two of his sons as emperor. Chimalpopoca

Name meaning: 'Smoking Shield'

Born: 1397 at Tenochtitlan to Huitzilihuitl and Ayauhcihuatl

Married: to Matlalatzin

Died: 1427

Buried: n/a

Ruled: 1417-1427

Children: Tezozomoc

Chimalpopoca came to the throne aged 20 following his fathers' death. Like his father he had his coronation shortly after ascending to the throne. In 1426 he constructed a huge wooden aqueduct from Chapultepec to Tenochtitlan. He also built a causeway and donated a stone for sacrifices. It is believed that Chimalpopoca may have had numerous wives, however only one is attested; she was his cousin. After a period where Chimalpopoca could not replace a new anti-Tenochtitlan ruler in Azcapotzalco, he decided to have himself sacrificed. During the ceremony a raid from Azcapotzalco captured him and took him back to their city. He was publicly put into a cage and left to starve, he hung himself with his belt. He was succeeded to the throne by his uncle.