How Family Betrayal Sparked War Between Aztec Cities

Forget neighbourly disputes over fences, this was ancient Aztec warfare on a shocking scale, fuelled by bitter rivalry, family betrayal, and a lust for power! New details emerge of the brutal clash between the twin island cities of Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco in 1473, revealing a web of intrigue that would make a modern soap opera blush.

Once practically brothers, the Tenochcas and Tlatelolcas shared a heritage, living side-by-side on islands separated only by a narrow five-metre canal. While Tenochtitlan held the reins of power, Tlatelolco boasted the biggest, most bustling market in the realm – a treasure trove where you could find anything from exotic bird feathers to unfortunate slaves from distant lands.

But beneath the surface of this thriving metropolis, resentment festered.

The Seeds of Treason Sown in Royal Bedroom

The drama centres around two powerful men: Axayácatl, the formidable ruler (tlatoani) of Tenochtitlan, and Moquihuix, the ambitious king of Tlatelolco. Adding fuel to the fire? Axayácatl's own sister was MARRIED to Moquihuix!

Sources reveal the unnamed sister suspected her husband was hatching a treacherous plot against her own brother. It's believed she bravely warned Axayácatl that Moquihuix, driven by jealousy and ambition, planned a deadly betrayal.

Consumed by a desire to seize total control, Moquihuix decided on a shocking course of action: a surprise attack on Tenochtitlan itself! He secretly forged alliances with neighbouring lords from places like Acolnahuac and Xochicalco, plotting a devastating blow against his unsuspecting brother-in-law.

His sinister plan? To strike under the cover of darkness during the sacred Tecuilhuitl festival, aiming to ruthlessly assassinate BOTH Axayácatl and his influential advisor Tlacaélel in one fell swoop. Talk about stabbing family in the back!

But Moquihuix hadn't counted on loyalty – or perhaps fear – elsewhere. A figure named Cuauhtitlan got wind of the terrifying scheme and, whether through friendship or sheer terror of the mighty Axayácatl, spilled the beans!

Forewarned, Axayácatl wasn't about to walk into a trap. Instead of playing Moquihuix's game, the cunning Tenochca ruler prepared his own response, choosing strategic locations to meet the inevitable assault.

'Dirty War' Erupts in Bloody Night Battle

The fateful night arrived. Moquihuix launched his attack, but instead of catching the Tenochcas sleeping, his Tlatelolca warriors were met head-on! Axayácatl's forces bravely crossed the canal separating the cities and engaged the attackers in a fierce and bloody battle.

The fighting was brutal. Many fell on both sides, but the Tlatelolcas ultimately suffered devastating losses. Beaten and broken, they were forced to retreat back to their island stronghold. So significant was the conflict that Axayácatl himself reportedly dubbed it the "Tlazolyáoyotl" – the "Dirty War" or "War of Filth," perhaps hinting at the treacherous nature of its origins.

Despite their victory, a strange fear of the Tlatelolcas lingered among the Tenochcas. Seeking concord, Axayácatl decided to offer an olive branch, sending his peace envoy, Cueyátzin, to try and calm the waters.

But Moquihuix, arrogant even in defeat, would have none of it. Receiving the envoy, the Tlatelolcan king contemptuously rejected the peace offer, declaring they wouldn't waste time and would simply return – a clear and defiant declaration of continued war!

Hearing of Moquihuix's brazen refusal, Axayácatl knew there was no turning back. Alongside his envoy Cueyátzin and advisor Tlatzipilli, the ruler of Tenochtitlan made it official: formal war was declared upon the treacherous Tlatelolcas.

The stage was set for the final, bloody chapter in the downfall of Tlatelolco, all sparked by one king's deadly ambition and the betrayal of his own family.