CUITLHUAC

also called Quetlavaca died October 1520, Tenochtitln, near modern Mexico City 10th Aztec ruler, who succeeded his brother Montezuma II in June 1520. Cuitlhuac rebelled against the Spanish occupation of Tenochtitln, decimating Hernn Corts' forces in their retreat from the city on the noche triste (Spanish: sad night) of June 30, 1520. During his four-month reign Cuitlhuac tried to form a federation against the Spaniards, but his efforts failed because of the hatred of other Indian peoples for the Aztec. He died of smallpox during the subsequent Spanish siege of Tenochtitln and was succeeded by his nephew Cuauhtmoc, the last Aztec ruler.