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Concept
Tlatoani
Summary
Tlatoani (tlahtoāni t͡ɬaʔtoˈaːniˀ, "one who speaks, ruler"; plural tlahtohque t͡ɬaʔˈtoʔkee̥ or tlatoque) is the Classical Nahuatl term for the ruler of an āltepētl, a pre-Hispanic state. It is the noun form of the verb "tlahtoa" meaning "speak, command, rule". As a result, it has been variously translated in English as "king", "ruler", or "speaker" in the political sense. Above a tlahtoani is the Huey Tlahtoani, sometimes translated as "Great Speaker", though more usually as "Emperor" (the term is often seen as the equivalent to the European "great king"). A cihuatlatoani (siwaːt͡ɬaʔtoˈaːniˀ) is a female ruler, or queen regnant.
The term cuauhtlatoani refers to "vice-leader". The leaders of the Mexica prior to their settlement are sometimes referred to as cuauhtlatoque, as well as colonial rulers who were not descended from the ruling dynasty.
The ruler's lands were called tlatohcatlalli t͡ɬaʔtoʔkaːˈt͡ɬaːlːiˀ, and the ruler's house was called tlatohcacalli t͡ɬaʔtoʔkaːˈkalːiˀ
The city-states of the Aztec Empire each had their own tlatoani, or leader. He would be the high priest and military leader for his city-state and would be considered its commander-in-chief. The tlatoani was the ultimate owner of all land in his city-state and received tribute, oversaw markets and temples, led the military, and resolved judicial disputes. He would often be a descendant of the royal family, but in some cases, he would be elected. Since the Tlatoani was allowed to have several wives, his legacy would be easily maintained. After being established as the tlatoani, he would be the tlatoani of his region for life. The tlatoani was chosen by a council of elders, nobles, and priests, which would select from a pool of four candidates.
The cihuacóatl was the second in command after the tlatoani, was a member of the nobility, served as the supreme judge for the court system, appointed all lower court judges, and handled the financial affairs of the altepetl.
During times of war, the tlatoani would be in charge of creating battle plans, and making strategies for his army.
Official source
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