Exhibition overview
This major exhibition explores Aztec (Mexica)* civilisation
through the divine, military and political role of the last elected
ruler, Moctezuma II (reigned AD 1502–1520).
Download mp4
An unrivalled empire
From his capital in Tenochtitlan (the site of modern Mexico
City), Moctezuma’s empire comprised much of modern highland Mexico,
stretching from the Gulf Coast to
the Pacific Ocean.
His power was reflected in the
splendour of his capital’s architecture, his command of the
prestigious Jaguar and Eagle military orders, and his sacrificial
rituals to the gods. Moctezuma’s world was unrivalled, and this
remained so until the devastating arrival of strangers – Cortés and
his Spanish fleet.
The Spanish invasion
The legacy of this tumultuous event and the semi-mythical status
of Moctezuma will be reassessed through the display of imposing
stone sculptures and rare gold and turquoise objects, many of which
will be seen for the first time in the UK.
Tracing modern Mexico
Rediscover the world of the Mexica and trace the foundation of
modern Mexico in the British Museum’s next major exhibition on
great rulers.
- Previous
- 1
Star objects from Mexico:
Nose Ornament, AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
Nose Ornament, AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
- 2
Teocalli of Sacred Warfare,
AD 1507, Mexico
Teocalli of Sacred Warfare, AD 1507, Mexico
- 3
Gold Turtle Necklace,
AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
Gold Turtle Necklace, AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
- 4
Portrait of Moctezuma
by Antonio Rodriguez
Portrait of Moctezuma by Antonio Rodriguez
- Next
* The people and culture we know as 'Aztec' referred to
themselves as the Mexica (pronounced Mé-shee-ka). This will be
reflected in the exhibition.
Buy tickets
now