1-156-380 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Montezuma II, last Aztec emperor, in his palace, early 16th century. Montezuma (1466-1520) is depicted at the top of the image, with judges in the centre and litigants at the bottom. The Aztec Empire was overthrown in 1519-1521 by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes in alliance with other Mexican tribes anxious to escape Aztec domination. From the Bodleian Library.