Moctezuma II (or Montezuma) was the emperor of the Aztec Empire from 1502-1520. Moctezuma was in power at the time of the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica lead by Hernán Cortés. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Moctezuma was responsible for the largest expansion of the Aztec Empire.
{Microdata type="HowTo" id="9576"}Moctezuma (also spelled Montezuma) was a ruler of the Aztec Empire in the early 1500s, known for his leadership during the Spanish conquest. He is important because his reign marked the end of the Aztec civilization and the beginning of Spanish rule in Mexico.
Moctezuma expanded the Aztec Empire, strengthened its political structure, and oversaw major building projects in Tenochtitlán. He also promoted religion and culture, leaving a lasting legacy in Mesoamerican history.
When Hernán Cortés and the Spanish arrived, Moctezuma initially welcomed them, believing they might be gods from prophecy. His actions, including diplomacy and gifts, ultimately could not prevent the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Moctezuma I ruled earlier and expanded the empire, while Moctezuma II was the emperor during the Spanish arrival and fall of the Aztec Empire. They are often confused but led in different periods and faced unique challenges.
Moctezuma is a key figure in world history because his leadership and the Spanish conquest help students understand cultural exchanges, the impact of colonization, and the transformation of societies in the Americas.