Ahuitzotl (died 1502, Tenochtitlán [Mexico]) was the eighthking of theAztecs, under whose reign (1486–1502) theAztec empire reached its greatest extent.

The aggressive Ahuitzotl succeeded his brother, Tizoc, to the throne. He proved an effective warrior, conquering tribes as far south as present-dayGuatemala and in territory along theGulf of Mexico, using such tactics as forced marches, ambushes, and surprise attacks. His men feared and respected him, and their king, after conquering a foreign city, chose to camp with his men rather than stay in a captured palace. Conquest brought enormous wealth to the Aztec empire as tribute poured in from all the vassal states. The capital ofTenochtitlán grew to such an extent that Ahuitzotl had another aqueduct built. He built the great temple of Malinalco as well. The king imposed tightbureaucratic control over the empire.

Ahuitzotl is known primarily for having occasioned the greatest orgy ofhuman sacrifice in Aztec history. In 1487 he decided to dedicate his new temple at Tenochtitlán. The ceremonies, lasting four days, consisted of prisoners of war forming four lines, each one extending over three miles. As the captives were marched up to the altar, priests and Aztec nobles, including Ahuitzotl, had the honour of cutting open their chests and tearing out their hearts. Although actual numbers remain in dispute, as many as 20,000 prisoners may have been killed this way, while guests from the conquered provinces were asked to watch.

Britannica Quiz

Kings and Emperors (Part III) Quiz

The cause of Ahuitzotl’s death in 1502 isdisputed. According to some sources, he died when he hit his head on a stone lintel after a dike broke, flooding his garden in Tenochtitlán. Other accounts claim that he developed a disease that took his life.