AZTEC gold, stone sculptures and other 500-year-old artworks conquer the British Museum from tomorrow, 24 September, in Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler, an exhibition that looks at the life and legacy of Moctezuma II*, the ruler of Mexico during the Spanish invasion.
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Intricate mosaic skull masks and ancient stone thrones throw light on the advanced techniques available to the Aztec civilisation and there are clues as to the nature of the man himself, including a portrait, though much of Moctezuma’s life remains mired in mystery.
It is known that he ruled from 1502-1520 and that, under his leadership, the Aztecs fought successful wars with near neighbours, but historians dispute the bit he’s most famous for; losing the empire to Hernan Cortez and his fellow Conquistadors.
Some say Moctezuma thought Cortez was a god and handed over his land and treasure all too easily; others reject this as a self-justifying myth peddled by later Spanish historians.
Myths from the opposite angle have Moctezuma’s name as a symbol of defiant anti-colonialism.
Either way this exhibition, with its sumptuous artefacts and startling imagery, much of it never seen in the UK before, hints at the rich material basis for such epic legend-building.
Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler opens at the British Museum on 24 September and runs until 24 January 2010.
* Yes, they did used to spell it with an ‘n’ – Montezuma – but don’t worry, it’s the same crazy guy.
