looking at the city
The Maya with the most power should know that the ancestors of the Habsburgs have arrived. First, we must prevent the death of my father and then slightly suppress the religion in addition to reforming it.
So, I decided to return to my father to see what he was doing and take advantage of the moment to follow him while heading towards the Templo Mayor or the Great Teocalli, which was inaugurated by Ahuízotl. This place hosts various religious activities directed by the tonalpohualli, as well as the enthronement of new huey tlatoani. When one died, their funeral was held there. As I recall from the few classes I attended, the last huey tlatoani to be buried with full rites was my father. Afterward, it would be my cousins, though it annoys me because I still don't fully understand how this inheritance system works.
"Hey system, question: can you explain the inheritance system used by the Mexica?"
"Of course, with pleasure. You have 60 minutes of life, accept?"
"I accept."
The inheritance system used in the Aztec Empire to choose its ruler was not purely hereditary, but combined elements of lineage, merit, and election by a council of nobles. Here's a detailed explanation of how this system works:
Election of the Ruler (Huey Tlatoani)Council of Nobles: The election of the huey tlatoani (great orator or emperor) was carried out by a council of nobles, known as the Supreme Council or the Council of Four. This council was composed of the leaders of the main calpullis (neighborhoods or clans) and the members of the nobility of Tenochtitlán. Candidate Requirements: The candidate had to belong to the royal family, specifically to the lineage of previous tlatoanis. It wasn't always the eldest son of the previous tlatoani. Instead, the nobles chose the candidate they considered most suitable to govern, taking into account his ability, military valor, diplomatic skills, and leadership. Proposals and Selection: Several members of the royal family could be proposed as candidates. The nobles discussed the qualities of each and made the selection based on consensus. The election was carried out by voting among the members of the council. Investiture Ceremony: Once elected, the new huey tlatoani was invested in a formal ceremony that included religious rituals and offerings to the gods, symbolizing the divine approval of his mandate.Regency and Advisory: The new ruler had the advice of a group of nobles and priests who assisted in the administration of the empire. Additionally, the leaders of the calpullis and other high-ranking officials played important roles in the government. Importance of Meritocracy
Although the succession system was partially hereditary, meritocracy played a crucial role. The election of the huey tlatoani was based on the belief that the best leader was not always the direct heir, but the one who proved to be the most capable of facing the empire's challenges, maintaining order, expanding territory, and leading military campaigns.
Historical ExamplesMoctezuma I: He was elected Huey Tlatoani in 1440, not because he was the eldest son of the previous ruler, but because of his abilities and military achievements.Ahuízotl: He came to power in 1486 because of his outstanding capabilities and leadership, despite not being first in the direct line of succession.
This system ensured that the empire had capable, brave, and respected leaders who could maintain the stability and expansion of Aztec power.
(Truth be told, I also had my doubts, so I decided to use ChatGPT. I hope you don't mind, but if you want, you can ask me to investigate like I used to do before. Thank you and sorry for so little.)
Oh, how crazy, when I found out about all this, I realized that if I wanted to reach the throne quickly, I would have to win over the great nobles and priests, as well as achieve merits. But it won't be an easy task. I realized that I would have to wait 13 more years, that is, until the year 1511, when I might have the opportunity to join the army and at least demonstrate my military capability. Although I could stand out in diplomacy, I will have to wait too long, and that's assuming I succeed or that the current ruler, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin, dies.
Well, as opportunities come, so do crises, although it is difficult to resist the Spanish invasion, as they will have the help of our enemies, the Totonacs, and the Tlaxcalans.
As I head towards the great temple with my two guards, my servant, and my pet, which I don't know if I should mention, I cannot help but admire the city. Nearly 150,000 inhabitants live in this city, its organization is impressive, along with its activities, as each calpulli (neighborhood) competes with others, fostering progress, sports, research, and art.
The first thing that astonishes me is the grandeur of the city. The streets are perfectly laid out, with canals winding like veins full of life, transporting canoes loaded with goods and people, even full of natural fertilizers if you know what I mean. The chinampas, those floating gardens, stretch out far, full of crops that guarantee the prosperity and sustenance of my people.
This young man, accompanied by a group of new friends—I really should get real friends—strolls through the Tlatelolco market. The activity is incessant: merchants offer corn, beans, squash, and a variety of products that fill the air with their aromas and colors. The vibrant energy of the market is something he has never experienced before.
He gazes in awe at the great temples and palaces as he approaches. The Templo Mayor stands imposing, a symbol of the Mexica faith and devotion. Religious ceremonies, with their dances and chants, fill the air with a mysticism that feels both strange and fascinating. The architecture, with its intricate details and perfect symmetry, is a marvel to anyone's eyes, both of that era and modern ones.
Arriving at the main temple I find a line of jaguar and eagle warriors, who are the elite of the empire, and they only respond to the Huey tlatoani, and I see that a large caravan is arriving. I wonder.