February 28, 1525: Execution of Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, by Hernán Cortés

Little is known about Cuauhtémoc's early life. By the time he was elected leader of Tenochtitlan in 1520, the Aztec city-state had already been invaded by the Spanish and had experienced the successive deaths of Moctezuma II and his brother Cuitlahuac. The new ruler attempted to defend the city against continued Spanish attacks, but was captured on August 13, 1521 while trying to escape.

Cuauhtémoc surrendered to Cortés and was spared. Contemporary sources state that the conquistador initially treated his captive with respect but, having failed to find large quantities of gold in the city, he then tortured Cuauhtémoc by covering his feet with oil and placing them on a fire.

Despite his ordeal, Cuauhtémoc reportedly refused to reveal the location of his treasures, although a small amount of gold was later found in a nobleman's house. Having survived the torture, Cuauhtémoc was allowed to retain the title of tlatoani but was stripped of his sovereign powers.

In 1525, when Cortés undertook an expedition to Honduras, he took Cuauhtémoc with him. Some commentators suggest that this was because he feared that the former emperor would lead a revolt in his absence. During their absence, Cortés was informed of a rumor that Cuauhtémoc was conspiring to kill him. He ordered that he be hanged on February 28 alongside other nobles.

Cuauhtémoc, meaning “He Who Swoops Like an Eagle,” continues to be highly regarded in modern-day Mexico as the only Aztec emperor to survive the Spanish conquest.

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