Tenoch

Tenoch

Tenoch's image

Depiction of Tenoch in the Codex Mendoza.
Died 1375
Other names Tenuch
Religion Aztec religion
Parent(s) unknown

Tenoch (or Tenuch) was a ruler of the Mexicas (Aztecas) during the fourteenth century during the Aztec travels from Aztlán to Tenochtitlan.

Biography

Tenoch was a respected chief who was elected to power by the council of elders. Tenoch was born in 1325 AD. He died in 1375.

There is disagreement whether Tenoch is a mythological person, or a real Mexica leader who was later mythologized. Tenoch was one of nine Mexica leaders to whom were revealed how Mexica could gain support from the forces of nature. After traveling southward for a span of 200 years, the Mexica found the sign they were looking for. In honor of their leader, they named the small reedy island in Lake Texcoco, Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan soon became the capital of the Aztec empire.

The Nahuatl symbols of his name are found in the Mexican flag: Tetl, the rock, and Nochtli, the prickly pear cactus.


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