Montezuma

=__**Montezu**ma__= __toc__

Montezuma was an Indian king of the country we now call Mexico in Central America. He was the chief from 1502 until 1520. His people treated him as a God. They referred to him as "Lord, my lord, great lord" and also as "The Great Speaker." They believed he was a holy man. Montezuma also believed Cortes was a God. Because of that, Montezuma, felt he had to have respect for Spaniards. The Spaniards turned against Montezuma and took him captive. He was famous for being the last Aztec king and priest.

__Childhood__
Montezuma was born in the Great City of Cactus Rock in 1476. He was a prince of the Aztecs because of his great king and father, Lord Axayacati. When Montezuma was young, the city was the middle of the very powerful Aztec empire. The Aztec empire was a center whose canals were being use as streets. As a young child, he was taken to fine banquets and dances. Montezuma would watch special sacrifices made to the Sun God, and his father would show him how to do it afterwards. As he got older, he had more responsibility. He was not like a normal boy, he would learn how to recite poems, read, write, sing, and he had to know the special festival days and special occasions.

__The Strangers__
Montezuma was getting news about strangers and of their landing and defeat in Tabasco. He thought it could only mean one thing, that the God Quetzalcoatl was coming back to take over Mexico. He was scared of that happening. He sent spies to go and see what the "Gods" looked like and other information about them. The spies came back scared to death and told Montezuma about them. They said the "Gods" were on top of hornless deer(horses), long narrow spears that shot out tiny balls(guns), and pointy iron sticks so sharp if you stabed someone it would go right through(swords). They also told Montezuma that they did not make sacrifices and that they would just kill.

**__Montezuma as Captive __**


Montezuma invited Cortes to his city to stay a while. He treated him very well and gave him food and drink, and gave some to Cortes' people. Meanwhile, some Aztecs were fighting against some Spaniards and decided to send Montezuma a Spaniard's head to show him of their victory. When Montezuma got the head he was terrified and burned into ashes. Cortes heard about the head and thought it was some sign that the Aztecs were planning to destroy the Spaniards. Cortes was scared so he decided to take an important captive like Montezuma. They kindly invited him to come and stay at their palace for a while. He said yes and they went off together. When he goes in the palace he then realizes he is a captive. The Spaniards treat him like a good friend even though he is a captive. When the Spaniards had found some of Montezuma's he acted like he was giving it to them because they would of taken it anyway.

**__The New Commander __**
Cortes leaves the city. A new commander comes and there is a massacre. The Aztecs were preparing for their yearly sacrifice and came to Cactus Rock for the sacrifice. The commander missunderstood and thought they were going to attack the Spaniards. The commander went and attacked the Aztecs and killed many of them to prevent them from killing the Spaniards. Cortes heard about the massacre and returned to the city. The people revolted under the leadership of Montezuma's brother who was now in charge.

**__Montezuma's Death__**
The war still went on but Montezuma did not go outside and fight with his people.Montezuma's people felt that Montezuma had betrayed them and they thought he was a coward. The Spaniards were begging him to tell the people to cease the war but he would not. Finally he did get up. For a moment there was silence when everyone saw him, but then 3 stones were thrown at him. One hit his crown, one hist his cheek, and one hit his forhead. He then fell on the floor. He was not hurt but he was in shock. After the war people put him on his bed and tried to heal him. They could not succeed. He told them he was ready to die and on the 4th day after the war he died.