Tizocicatzin

Tizocicatzin, commonly known as Tizoc, was the sixth Huey tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, serving from approximately 1481 to 1486. He succeeded his brother Axayacatl. Tizoc's reign is generally considered less successful and less militarily distinguished than those of his predecessors or successor. Historical accounts suggest a period of relative stagnation and internal challenges.

One of the most notable events during Tizoc's rule was the construction of a large sacrificial stone, often referred to as the "Stone of Tizoc" or "Calendar Stone," though this latter name is more commonly associated with the much larger and more famous Aztec Sun Stone. This massive basalt disk, weighing many tons, was likely commissioned for ceremonial purposes, possibly as a sacrificial altar, and its immense scale highlights the symbolic importance of religious and ritualistic practices in Aztec society.

Tizoc's reign was relatively short, and he died under circumstances that some chroniclers suggest may have been suspicious, possibly due to poisoning, though this is debated. He was succeeded by his nephew Ahuitzotl, who would usher in a period of significant military expansion for the Aztec Empire. While Tizoc's rule was not marked by great conquests, his reign represents a transitionary period in Aztec history, bridging the achievements of his brother and the ambitious campaigns of his nephew.