APRIL 28, 1402

ACOLHUA POET ARCHITECT NEZAHUALCOYOTL BORN

Born in Texcoco, northeast of Tenochtitlan, Nezahualcoyotl’s name meant ”Hungry Coyote.” He was 16 when his father, Ixtlilxochitl I, ruler of Texcoco, was dethroned. In 1428, a coalition of cities conquered Texcoco and Nezahualcoyotl was crowned Tlatoani of Texcoco in 1431. Considered one of the greatest minds of Mesoamerican civilization, he is credited with Texcoco’s Golden Age. His reign brought the rule of law, scholarship, and artistry to the city. His government employed a division of power with councils of war, justice, finance, and culture. Texcoco also had the greatest library of Mesoamerican civilization. A great philosopher, his poems include historical references and autobiographical elements. He was also a great architect, engineer, and city planner. Texcoco had impressive gardens, self-governing academy of scholars and poets, monuments, aqueducts, and palaces. When he died on June 5, 1472, his son, Nezahualpilli, ruled the city until 1516, continuing his policies.

Source: Natalia Klimczak, “The Golden Age Of Texcoco, Powerful City Of King Nezahualcoyot,” Ancient-Origins, 1/31/2016.  Retreived 7/2/2019,  Https://www.Ancient-Origins.Net/Ancient-Places-Americas/Golden-Age-Texcoco-Powerful-City-King-Nezahualcoyotl-005276

Graphic:  Author unknown, Circa 16th century.  Public Domain.