CUAUHTMOC

also called Guatimozin born c. 1495 died Feb. 26, 1522 11th and last Aztec emperor, nephew and son-in-law of Montezuma II. Cuauhtmoc became emperor in 1520 on the death of Montezuma's successor, Cuitlhuac. Hernn Corts, with powerful Indian allies, was then marching on Tenochtitln, the Aztec capital. Cuauhtmoc's frontier forces were forced to retreat in 1521, and he defended his capital in a four-month siege that left most of the city destroyed and few Indians surviving. Captured by the Spanish, he was at first treated with deference. Later, Cuauhtmoc was tortured to reveal the location of hidden Aztec wealth. His stoicism and refusal to speak became legendary. Fearing trouble if he left Cuauhtmoc behind, Corts took the emperor with him to Honduras. En route, hearing of a plot against the Spaniards, he ordered Cuauhtmoc hanged. In 1949 bones purported to be Cuauhtmoc's were discovered at Ixcateopan, Mex.