The Cihuacoatl: Tenochtitlan's Shadow Emperor

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the role of the cihuacoatl, the high official who served as the emperor's second-in-command in Tenochtitlan. They focus on Tlacaelel, the most famous cihuacoatl, who served under multiple Huey Tlatoanis and was instrumental in shaping Aztec ideology, military strategy, and religious reform. The conversation dives into his role in the Flower Wars, the burning of old codices to rewrite history, and the expansion of the Templo Mayor. Lucas explains how Tlacaelel essentially ran the empire behind the scenes, making him arguably more influential than some tlatoanis. They also touch on the cihuacoatl's judicial and administrative duties, and the symbolic connection to the goddess Cihuacoatl. This episode offers a fresh angle on Aztec governance by spotlighting the power behind the throne. #Cihuacoatl #Tlacaelel #AztecEmpire #Tenochtitlan #HueyTlatoani #FlowerWars #TemploMayor #AztecReligion #Nahuatl #Mesoamerica #Mexica #AztecHistory #FexingoHistory #History #IndigenousHistory #PreColumbian #Tlatoani #AztecGovernment Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo