The Tepanec War served as the Aztec Empire’s debut as a major player in Mesoamerican politics. It eliminated its rival that created a void which they filled up. But what caused this conflict that the Aztecs’ exploited to their advantage.
1. Loose Nature of the Empire
Before the Aztecs or Mexica, as they called themselves, the Tepanecs ruled over the lands around Lake Texcoco. At the Empire’s center laid the city-state of Azcapotzalco and its ruler, the ruthless Tezozomoc. In this stage, the Mexica and their cities of Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco, along with other Nahuatl-speaking tribes and city-states pledged their allegiance to the Tepanec leader.
The nature of Tezozomoc’s control over the empire, however, pegged on influence and hegemony only, similar to the nature of Neo-colonialism and spheres of influence that prevailed in the 20th century and even to this day.
An overlord and a vassal relationship existed. Local rulers and tribes retained their power and daily affairs went on as usual as long as they pledge their allegiance to Tezozomoc proving their loyalty through paying of tributes, supplying labor, and joining Tepanec military campaigns. With such a simple administration, rebellions became frequent, but through other means, the vassals stayed in their line.
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| Depiction of Tezozomoc in Codex Xolotl |
2. Terror through Assassination
Beyond a strong military that Tezozomoc possessed, he also had a ruthless and conniving brain to keep his subjects in line. Just like CIA, KGB, and Mossad, the Azcapotzalco leader authorized assassinations of leaders who opposed him or rejected to follow his desires. The Annals of Cuautitlan listed leaders who fell to Tezozomoc through this method, it wrote:
It was Tezozomoc who, by his command, had killed the Colhuacan ruler Nauhyotzin.And he had also killed the Texcoco ruler Ixtlilxochitzin the elderAnd he had killed Pichacatzin Teuctli, ruler of Cuitlahuac Tizic.And he had killed the ruler of Tlatelolco, TlacateotzinAnd he had killed the Cuauhtitlan ruler Xaltemoctzin the elder.
This bred fear among the local leaders, but it also planted resentment from locals, especially the elite. City-state leaders or a Tlatoani served as representatives, as the word meant speaker. Local councils, usually made of clan leaders, voted for their Tlatoani. Hence, killing of the elected Tlatoani meant an affront to the will of the locals. Moreover, surviving relatives of the fallen harbored anger towards the culprit.
For example, the prince of Texcoco, Nezahuacoyotl. He even saw his father's demise on the hands of Tepanec. He himself became a target of assassination by Tezozomoc due to dreams, forcing him to flee and ultimately finding refuge in Huexotzinco. He later played a key role during the Tepanec War.
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| Nezahualcoyotl in Codex Ixtlilxochitl |
3. Eroding Autonomy
Despite the loose nature of the Empire, as Tezozomoc bred sons, he decided to make the empire a family business and began to appoint his offsprings as Tlatoani of vassal states. Again, the Annals of Cuautitlan listed the Tezozomoc’s sons and their respective city-states they took over:
- Quetzalmaquiztli - City-state of Coatlichan
- Cuauhpiyo - City-state of Huexotla
- Teyollocoa - City-state of Acolman
- Epcoatl - City-state of Toltitlan
- Quetzalcuixin - City-state ofMexicatzinco
- Maxtlaton - City-state of Coyohuacan
- Tepanquizui - City-state of Xochimilco
- Quaquapitzahuac - City-state of Tlatelolco
This improved Tezozomoc’s control over this states, but it also sent an insult to locals who suddenly found an outsider ruling over them and changing the status quo. This contributed to the offenses that rallied tribes against the Tepanecs.
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| Map of Lake Texcoco in Aztec Warfare by Ross Hassig |
4. Death of Tezozomoc
In 1426, Tezozomoc, the godfather of Lake Texcoco and the mastermind of the Tepanec Empire, passed away through natural causes, but according to Duran, over sadness over the possible tragic and sad fate of one of his grandsons. He appointed one of his sons, Quetzalayatzin (Tayueh in some sources), to become his successor. His successors may have had ruthlessness, but lacked the respect, intimidating presence, and vast experience Tezozomoc had.
5. Civil War
The conflict within Azcapotzalco weakened the center and Maxtla’s authority over the Empire. A purge underwent to consolidate the winning usurper’s power. He targeted once again the Texcoco prince Nezahuacoyotl who fled to Huexotzingco, the Tlatoani of the Aztecs, Chimalpopoca, more so due to the Tenochtitlan leader’s support of the deposed Tayueh, and the Tlatoani of Tlatelolco, Tlacateotzin.
The offended parties, Nezahuacoyotl, Itzcoatl who came to power in Tenochtitlan, and Quauhtlatoa of Tlatelolco.
Summing Up
The causes of the Tepanec War that catapulted the Aztecs to power came as result by the same policies which meant to keep the Tepanec Empire secured. The policy of assassination, appointment of relatives to powerful positions that insulted the locals and simmered resentment. It only awaited an opportunity to boil and explode.
It came in the form of the death of the mastermind of the Tepanec Empire, Tezozomoc. His successors failed to command the same fear and obedience as their father, resulting in formation of an alliance to end the “tyranny” of the Tepanecs.
Ultimately, the Aztecs took note of these causes and they worked to avoid it befalling on their own Empire. Though completely successful, at least their Empire outlived several of their leaders.
See also:
Bibliography:
Bierhorst, John (trans.). History and Mythology of Aztecs: The Codex Chimalpopoca. Tucson, Arizona: The University of Arizona Press, 1998.
Duran, Diego. Aztecs: The History of the Indies of New Spain. New York, New York: Orion Press, 1964.
Fehrenbach, T.R. Fire and Blood: A History of Mexico, A Bold and Definitive Modern Chronicle of Mexico. New York, New York: Collier Books, 1973.
Hassig, Ross. Aztec Warfare: Imperial Expansion and Political Control. n.a.,n.a.: University of Oklahoma Press, 1988.
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