The Americas

Tlatelolco

The Tepaneca tribe of Aztec / Nahua migrants arrived in the Valley of Mexico in the thirteenth century, and took over cities such as Azcapotzalco from the native inhabitants. Becoming one of the most powerful cities under Tezozomoctli to the point that it dominated Tenochtitlan, the eventual seat of the Aztec emperors, the city set about creating new colonies or taking over existing cities throughout the region. Tlatelolco was founded at about 1372 by Tezozomoctli when he installed one of his sons as its ruler.

Tlatelolco became the sister city of Tenochtitlan, but despite the closeness in relations, it was still conquered by its bigger and far more powerful neighbour.

1372

In the same year that Acamapichtli is offered the throne of Tenochtitlan, Tlatelolco also selects an outsider to take its throne.

1372 - 1407

Cuacuapitzahuac / Quaquapitzahuac

Son of Tezozomoctli of Azcapotzalco.

1407 - 1426

Tlacateotl / Tlacateotzin

Son. Killed by the Acolhua.

1426 - 1460

Quauhtlatoa

Killed by the Tenochca.

1460

Moquihuix is installed as the new ruler by Moctezuma of Tenochtitlan.

A view of the ruins of the heart of Tlatelolco, with a Spanish church overlooking the site

1460 - 1473

Moquihuix / Moquihuixtli

Killed by Axayacatl of Tenochtitlan.

1473 - 1520

Moquihuix is determined to end the twin cities arrangement with Tenochtitlan, so the city is subjugated by the Aztec emperor, Axayacatl. Moquihuix is killed and a military governor is placed in charge, causing long-lasting ill-will on the part of the populace.

1520 - 1521

Tlatelolco is conquered by the Spanish and is soon incorporated into the colonial administrative region of New Spain which is initially governed from the former Aztec Mexico City.

Colonial Rulers of Tlatelolco

Following Cortes' destruction of the Aztec empire, a series of Latinised members of the previous ruling elite were appointed to govern the outlying areas of Tenochtitlan. Spanish central control was soon formalised, however, with the creation of New Spain in the Americas.

1549 - 1562

Diego de Mendoza

Died 1562.

1567 - 1579

Miguel García Oquiztzin

1579

Miguel García Oquiztzin is the last local ruler of the city within the viceroyalty of New Spain.