Tenoch

Tenoch (c. 1299–1363) was the Mexica war leader, or cuauhtlahtoani, raised to power by the council of elders. His people were then in Azcapotzalco's grip: they paid heavier tribute and from 1318 had to fight in Tepanec campaigns.

In 1344, with Azcapotzalco's support, he made Culhuacan the Mexica's first tributary, and he rose to Huitznahuatl, the highest military rank open to a priest. After Ilancueitl's death in 1347 he was chosen as leader; he replaced Culhuacan's ruler with the more loyal Nauhyotl, and in 1351 he led the first New Fire ceremony at the Hill of the Star.

He reorganized the island settlement in Lake Texcoco and began its central sacred precinct, laying the ground for a lasting royal line. He died in 1363; one account says Acamapichtli renamed the city Tenochtitlan in his honour in 1376.