Azcasuch was a mid- to late-fifteenth century queen of Tepetlaoxtoc, in what is now the Valley of Mexico northeast of modern-day Texcoco. Born to Nezahaulcoyotl, king of Tezcuco, she is also known as Azcaxochitl, a name which is Nahautl – her native tongue – for ‘ant-flower’.
Azcasuch later married Cocopin in what was likely a political marriage, serving to solidify Cocopin’s own rule and his descendants’ claim to the throne through her royal lineage. Little is known about Azcasuch’s life, but she may – as a result of her high status – have been the true ruler of Tepetlaoxtoc with Cocopin taking on a figurehead role since female rule did not fit with societal gendered expectations.
Whatever the case, when her husband died Azcasuch took on royal authority outwardly in her own name. She was succeeded in 1498 by her six-year-old grandson Tlilpotonqui.
Recommended Reading
Sarah M. Nelson, ed., Ancient Queens: Archaeological Excavations (Lanham: AltaMira Press, 2003).
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