City-States and military structure
After many years of developing an empire, the Aztecs had implemented a complex system of government. The core of the governmental system was the city-state, or altepetl. City-states were the dominant form of political organization. Altepetls were usually supported by founding legends and were headed by ruling dynasties. They held alliances with neighboring city-states and were political, economic, and religious centers.
Aztecs were well known for their acts of conquering and warfare. Their warfare was very complex, standardized, and ritualized. Much negotiation was done, even before a conquest. Their fighting capacity was the basis of their power. They had excellent warriors who instilled terror in their enemies. They obtained prisoners, land, and food from their conquests.
Aztecs were well known for their acts of conquering and warfare. Their warfare was very complex, standardized, and ritualized. Much negotiation was done, even before a conquest. Their fighting capacity was the basis of their power. They had excellent warriors who instilled terror in their enemies. They obtained prisoners, land, and food from their conquests.
Tlatoani
The tlatoani, or the orator was the emperor position in Aztec society. In every large city, there was a tlatoani at the top of authority. The one in the capital was the greatest of all, and was called the huey tlatoani which means "the great orator" or the tlacatecuhtli meaning "leader of the warriors of the Aztec confederation".
Election of the huey tlatoani was done through lineage which had ties back to lords of Culhuacan. It was preferred that the brother of the previous leader was elected. Whoever was chosen had to have royal blood and be considered suitable for this important position. They were chosen by a council of 13 supreme dignitaries, district public officials, military leaders, and priests. They liked the leader to have self-possession and discretion. Once chosen, the tlatoani would thank the gods, spoke with other officials and then addressed his people . After addressing them, he would appear to them wearing a golden and turquoise triangular crown, a green cape and jewels and a snake shaped scepter to show off the symbols of his rank.
Election of the huey tlatoani was done through lineage which had ties back to lords of Culhuacan. It was preferred that the brother of the previous leader was elected. Whoever was chosen had to have royal blood and be considered suitable for this important position. They were chosen by a council of 13 supreme dignitaries, district public officials, military leaders, and priests. They liked the leader to have self-possession and discretion. Once chosen, the tlatoani would thank the gods, spoke with other officials and then addressed his people . After addressing them, he would appear to them wearing a golden and turquoise triangular crown, a green cape and jewels and a snake shaped scepter to show off the symbols of his rank.
Moctezuma
Moctezuma was the great leader of the empire at the time of the Spanish arrival. He increased the majesty of his position as tlatoani and was seen as a godly figure. When the Spanish came, he welcomed them into the city and exchanged gifts with them. When the Spanish later killed him, the Aztec people were very upset. They lost their leader, someone they had seen as a god.
Even Cortes noted Moctezuma's greatness. He wrote about an Aztec appearing before him saying "With the head and the eyes lowered, kneeling, and when speaking do so with great obeisance and reverence and not look him in the face..."
Even Cortes noted Moctezuma's greatness. He wrote about an Aztec appearing before him saying "With the head and the eyes lowered, kneeling, and when speaking do so with great obeisance and reverence and not look him in the face..."