Tovar Codex, Axay gcatl, 6th Tlatoani, Aztec Ruler

AxayCgcatl, holding a spear or scepter and wearing a crown with gold ornaments, standing on a reed mat and next to a basketwork throne. Above him is a head with water flowing from it. AxayCgcatl 1449-1481) was the sixth (text incorrectly identifies him as the eighth) tlatoani of Tenochtitlan and ruler of the Aztec Triple Alliance. Upon the death of Moctezuma I in 1469, he was chosen to ascend to the throne, much to the displeasure of his two older brothers, Tizoc and Ahuitzotl. It is also important that the Great Sun Stone, also known as the Aztec Calendar, was carved under his leadership. Axayacatl led successful campaigns against the neighboring altepetl of Tlatelolco in 1473 and the Matlatzinca of the Toluca Valley in 1474, but was finally defeated by the Tarascans of MichoacCgn in 1476. His defeat was the only major defeat suffered by the Aztecs up to that moment. Though very young he fell ill in 1480 and passed away a year later. The Tovar Codex (16th century) contains detailed information about the rites and ceremonies of the Aztecs. The codex is illustrated with 51 full-page paintings in watercolor. Illustration taken from a 19th century transcript of Juan de Tovar's Historia de la benida de los yndios apoblar a Mexico (the Codex Tovar)

Picture No

12696100

Media ID

47670219

Size

4275px x 3290px (2.6MB)

Credit

LOC/Jay I. Kislak Collection/Science Source/Mary Evans