Cuauhtémoc

Born: 14 July 1496

Known for: The last Aztec Emperor

Died: 28 February 1525

Age: 28

Allegiance: Aztec Empire (Mexica); Defender of Tenochtitlan

Conflicts: Siege of Tenochtitlan (1521) — final defense against Hernán Cortés

Cause of Death: Execution

Resting Place: Ixcateopan de Cuauhtémoc

Spouses: None recorded by historical sources

Cuauhtémoc (also known as Cuauhtemotzín, Guatimozín, or Guatémoc, was the Aztec ruler (tlatoani) of Tenochtitlan from 1520 to 1521, and the last Aztec Emperor. The name Cuauhtemōc means "one who has descended like an eagle", commonly rendered in English as "Descending Eagle", evoking a raptor diving toward its prey.

Cuauhtémoc took power in 1520 as successor of Cuitláhuac and was a cousin of the late emperor Moctezuma II. His young wife, who was later known as Isabel Moctezuma, was one of Moctezuma's daughters. He ascended to the throne when he was around 25 years old, while Tenochtitlan was besieged by the Spanish and devastated by an epidemic of smallpox brought to the Americas by Spanish conquerors. After the killings in the Great Temple, there were probably few Aztec captains available to take the position.