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).
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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, MexicoNose Ornament, AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
- 2
Teocalli of Sacred Warfare,
AD 1507, MexicoTeocalli of Sacred Warfare, AD 1507, Mexico
- 3
Gold Turtle Necklace,
AD 1400 – 1521, MexicoGold Turtle Necklace, AD 1400 – 1521, Mexico
- 4
Portrait of Moctezuma
by Antonio RodriguezPortrait 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.
