Did Emperor Moctezuma II’s head injury and subsequent death hasten the fall of the Aztec nation?

Abstract

<jats:p>This article analyzes the head injury of Emperor Moctezuma as one of those injuries that affected the course of history. The Emperor’s death arguably changed the fate of an entire nation and led to the destruction of the Aztec civilization.</jats:p> <jats:p>Moctezuma died in the evening hours of June 30, 1520, in his palace in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, while a prisoner of the Spanish conquistadors. The Emperor had been speaking to his people in an effort to persuade them to cease hostilities against Hernán Cortés, his Spanish soldiers, and Indian allies. Both Spanish and Indian contemporary sources document that he sustained a severe head injury when one of his own warriors hit him with a rock thrown from a sling. However, after the Conquest of Mexico some of the information collected by Spanish friars from Indian stories, songs, and pictorial representations raised the possibility that Moctezuma died of strangulation or stabbing at the hands of the Spaniards. There is even a suggestion of suicide. This issue remains unresolved and emotionally charged.</jats:p> <jats:p>The historical and clinical analysis of the events surrounding Moctezuma’s death indicates that the Emperor most likely died as a consequence of head injury. The author has attempted to present a neutral analysis but agrees with Benjamin Keen that neutrality may be unattainable, no matter how remote the subject of historical inquiry is from the present.</jats:p>

Traumatic brain injury and the fall of the Aztec empire: 500 years of head injury diagnosis

“…On the other hand, there were those who saw him as a visionary leader, respectful of the divine designs, who did everything possible to defend the Aztec empire, thus becoming a hero and martyr. [ 17 , 20 , 30 ]…”

“…This was a probable cause of confusion, cognitive changes, and physical deterioration. The possibility of secondary lesions such as brain edema, intracranial hematoma or increased intracranial pressure is compatible with their clinical evolution It is probable, however, that the final cause of his death was determined by other factors or direct injuries inflicted on a prostrate and inert body with neurological deterioration[ 6 , 14 , 19 - 21 , 24 , 25 , 30 ] Even though, the Mexicas already started with medical practices such as the use of substances with hemostatic, antibiotic, and/or antiseptic potential,[ 2 , 31 ] the suturing of wounds with hair, the reduction and fixation of bone fractures,[ 29 ] including surgical procedures such as trepanation and drainage of facial abscesses,[ 7 ] neurosurgical care was just in its beginnings and was deficient in the management of TBI. …”

“…It is probable, however, that the final cause of his death was determined by other factors or direct injuries inflicted on a prostrate and inert body with neurological deterioration[ 6 , 14 , 19 - 21 , 24 , 25 , 30 ]…”

Fatal Head Injuries in Royals that Changed the Course of History

“…We have compiled a list (by no means exhaustive) of fatal head injuries among the royalty which changed the course of history (►Table 1), based on academic papers and resources we could find in the Internet like books and Wikipedia. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] A few of these lethal injuries were caused in the heat of battle (Harold Godwinson, Richard III), in a fit of rage (Ivan Ivanovich, Moctuzema II), during executions or assassinations (Seqenenra Taa, Julia Drusilla), and strangely enough some while going to watch or performing sporting events (Charles VIII and Henry II), or in the library (Humayun).…”

“…We have compiled a list (by no means exhaustive) of fatal head injuries among the royalty which changed the course of history (►Table 1), based on academic papers and resources we could find in the Internet like books and Wikipedia. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] A few of these lethal injuries were caused in the heat of battle (Harold Godwinson, Richard III), in a fit of rage (Ivan Ivanovich, Moctuzema II), during executions or assassinations (Seqenenra Taa, Julia Drusilla), and strangely enough some while going to watch or performing sporting events (Charles VIII and Henry II), or in the library (Humayun). Whatever the cause, they were to be epoch making, as in a few instances, they resulted in the end of dynasties either by themselves (as in the case of the Anglo-Saxons and later the Plantagenets in England as well as the elder house of Valois in France), hastened it on account of a lack of a competent heir (Rurikids in Russia), or extinguished lineages (as in the Julio-Claudian dynasty).…”