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24 September 2009 – 24 January 2010
Reading Room, British Museum
Admission £12, Members free
This major exhibition explores Aztec civilisation through the divine, military and political role of the last elected ruler, Moctezuma II (reigned AD 1502–1520).
Rediscover the world of the Mexica and trace the foundation of modern Mexico.
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 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.
"There has never been an exhibition on this man, a great emperor of an extremely sophisticated empire." Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum
'Autumn's biggest show' The Times
For further information and to book tickets
Turquoise mask. Aztec/Mixtec, 15th–16th century AD. © The Trustees of the British Museum
24 September 2009 – 24 January 2010
Reading Room, British Museum
Admission £12, Members free
This major exhibition explores Aztec civilisation through the divine, military and political role of the last elected ruler, Moctezuma II (reigned AD 1502–1520).
Rediscover the world of the Mexica and trace the foundation of modern Mexico.
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 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.
"There has never been an exhibition on this man, a great emperor of an extremely sophisticated empire." Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum
'Autumn's biggest show' The Times
For further information and to book tickets
Turquoise mask. Aztec/Mixtec, 15th–16th century AD. © The Trustees of the British Museum
British Museum's Notes
Book tickets now for Moctezuma: Aztec RulerOct 6, 2009