The Aztecs Government & Emperors

       The Aztecs had a simple government unlike ours today. Their government was similar to a monarchy. The emperor or king who was the primary ruler was called the Huey Tlatoani which meant "Great Speaker." When the ruler died, a group of high ranking nobles chose the next one. It is said that the next emperor was usually a relative of the previous ruler, but not always his son. The empire ruled by indirect means, and it was made up of city-states. It was more of a system of tribute than anything else. The Aztecs did not exert authority over conquered lands. As long as the city-states paid tribute to them, they were independent from Aztec rule. Some famous Aztec emperors were Acamapichtli, Itzcoatl, Montezuma I, and Montezuma II. All of these rulers contributed something to their empire that helped the empire prosper. Acamapichtli, the first emperor of the Aztecs, helped them conquer Xochimilco, Mizquic, Cuitlahuac, Chimalhuacan, and Cuauhhuacan. He was a very successful leader in war, gaining five civilizations. Itzcoatl was the fourth emperor of the Aztecs. He conquered the Tepanecs and founded the Triple Alliance. Montezuma I, another Aztec ruler, helped them become the dominant power of the Triple Alliance. Because of this, the empire expanded. The ninth emperor of the Aztecs, Montezuma II, was the leader when Cortez and the Spanish arrived. He had expanded the empire to its greatest size. Unfortunately, he was killed by the Spanish.

The Aztec ruler, Montezuma I

References:
1. http://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_empire/government_and_empire.php
2. http://aztec-empire.weebly.com/famous-people.html
3. http://www.crystalinks.com/azteculture.html