Aztec emperor of Mexico, b. c. 1415 (?), d. c. 1465 (?).
Montezuma I was the Aztec ruler who, through trade and conquest, expanded the Aztec empire and made it the leading power of Meso-America.
Most historic reference books do not consider Montezuma I important enough to rate a mention. Entries for "Montezuma" usually refer to Montezuma II, the ninth Aztec emperor who ruled at the time of the Spanish invasion (about 65 years after Montezuma I).
While the confrontation between Montezuma II and Cortés did not lack an element of drama, it is his ancestor Montezuma I who stands out in history as the emperor who led the Aztec civilization to its greatest height.
No details of the life of Montezuma I are known, which might also explain his absence from most reference books.