Cuauhtemoc (ca. 1496-1525) was the last of the Aztec rulers and a heroic defender of his empire against the Spanish conquistadors. Cuauhtemoc is revered by many Mexicans as the symbol of the Indians and as the representative of Mexican nationality.

Cuauhtemoc was born in Tenochtitlán (modern Mexico City), capital of the Aztec empire, the son of the Aztec emperor Ahuitzótl and the princess Tlilalcapatl. When he was 15, he entered the calmecac, or school for the nobility, devoted primarily to the study of religion, science, and art. Then he participated in a number of military expeditions to bring neighboring peoples under Aztec rule. Because of his military exploits he was appointed techutli, a term indicating an upper military and administrative position. In 1515 he was also appointed lordship of the region of Tlaltelolco.

In 1519 the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, began...