This Moctezuma exhibit is the fourth and final British Museum show devoted to the use of political and military power throughout the ages and is focused on the last ruler of the Aztec civilization, Moctezuma II.

It’s crammed full of turquoise, gold and carved objects that are strange, exotic and unfamiliar. 

The Aztec referred to themselves as The Mexica (which is where Mexico comes from) and the British museum, in an attempt to shed years of colonial misrepresentation and downright Spanish lies about this interesting ruler has reverted to more traditional and accurate names and spelling.

In the same vein, the common spelling of Montezuma is changed to Moctezuma in a bid for historical accuracy - the spelling "Montezuma" is a western corruption.

The exhibition has many lovely and unusual objects that have not been seen outside Mexico before, they are beautifully lit and explained in a careful way so the sometimes delicate western attitudes can see the beauty in things which had such a gruesome use.


A stunningly carved huge stone eagle meets you at one point, it’s eyes fix you across the centuries, anatomical details perfect,  in it’s back a large carved basin, for holding the hearts of the sacrificial victims who’s blood ensured the rising of the sun.

Among the spectacular pieces are a haunting turquoise mosaic mask and a turquoise double-headed serpent, plus some delicate gold jewellery and body ornaments. The lip plugs are worth a longer look. When the warriors were captured their plugs would have been removed, leaving them dribbling uncontrollably and humiliated.

The Mexica (Aztec’s) culture is complex, alien and challenging, but by using objects that Moctzeuma himself used, wore and commissioned  the museum manages to bring humanity to this enigmatic semi-divine emperor and make him seem like the powerful and sophisticated ruler he was.

Moctezuma II was the last elected Aztec emperor and a formidable warrior regarded by his subjects as a semi-divine figure who ruled over a politically complex empire that stretched from the shores of the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico. It was his misfortune to run into the more technically advanced Spanish Empire and that unpleasant part of the story is highlighted at the end. It was also the Mexica’s misfortune to demand such huge and potential crippling tributes from their conquered and client tribes and this is what brought them down in the end. Their enemies teamed up with Cortes' Spanish henchmen and turned against this Empire in a bloody war.

Moctezuma ruled from 1502 to 1520 and consolidated the Mexica’s (Aztec) power. His victories extended the empire’s borders, reorganized the court and he built a fine palace in the heart of Tenochtitlan (modern day Mexico City), creating a capital that was described by a European as 'the Venice of the Americas'.

I was glad that Monte’ got a chance to speak directly to us before the ‘fall of empire’ section was covered.

The Mexica were a fascinating culture, their art, sculpture and religion of a different order to the myopic civilisations of the quest, perhaps their fall was a case of ‘the lesser of two evils’. Montezuma was without doubt the better of the two rulers, he might have done what he had to do and sacrificed thousands of men, women and children, but each of those who died knew that it was necessary to keep the world turning. That their still beating hearts, held before their eyes, would ensure the security of the world. They would not have tutted, raged (but enjoyed the fission of secular outrage) but would have known that life and death are in a constant embrace and dance.

This exhibit is revisionist in tone and attempts to lift the reputation of this God-Emperor from the sullying of the colonial Spanish propaganda. To show a different story of his life and death and to rescue his reputation from that of a foolish collaborator stoned by his people to that of a politically subtle and powerful warrior at the height of his power, taken hostage by dishonourable men and literally and figuratively stabbed in the back.


Full of beautiful objects and stunning carvings this is an exhibition to linger at and treasure. The catalogue is well worth buying too if you have a further interest in the object and culture.

Chocolate (or xocolātl,) was a treasure fit only for the emperors lips, and it’s thanks to Montezuma’s gift of chocolate to the Spanish that we can all enjoy it today. A Brighton based bespoke chocolate maker has brought out their own new bar of chocolate in honour of Monte’ – the man behind chocolate -  besides from it being as mouth-wateringly perfect and indulgent as we have come to expect, it’s dark, sensual and will get your heart racing from delight.

If that wasn’t enough they are also running a competition where you can win a holiday to Mexico and see the stunning ruins of this fascinating culture. Check out their website:
www.montezumas.co.uk for more details.

Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler
British Museum
Russell Square, London
September 24 to January 24, 2010
Tickets £12 concessions available

For more information view:
www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/future_exhibitions/moctezuma.aspx