1372

Events in 1372 1

• 1372 – 1427 The Mexica under Tepanec domination For the first century of their existence in the Valley of Mexico, the Mexica are vassals of the powerful Tepanec kingdom of Azcapotzalco -- paying tribute, providing military service and intermarrying with Tepanec nobility to gain legitimacy. The Tepanec ruler Tezozomoc (c.1372-1427) is the dominant political figure of the valley -- a brilliant, ruthless monarch who uses the Mexica as shock troops to expand his empire while keeping them dependent. The Mexica tlatoani (speaker/ruler) Chimalpopoca is a Tepanec puppet. This subordination shapes the Mexica psyche: the fierce independence and imperial ambition of later Aztec culture is partly a reaction against the memory of vassalage. When Tezozomoc dies in 1427 and his son Maxtla attempts to reassert Tepanec dominance, the Mexica -- allied with Texcoco and Tlacopan -- revolt and destroy Azcapotzalco.