268 



HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



fence of the two allied kings, and of all the Tezcucan 

 and Mexican nobility. The ele£i:ors being alTembled to 

 appoint anew king, they chofe Ahuitzotl, the brother of 

 their two preceding kings, who was already general of 

 the army ; for, from the time of Chimalpopoca the cuf- 

 tom had prevailed of exalting no one to the throne who 

 had not firll occupied that pofl, it being judged highly 

 requifite that he who was to become the chief of fo war- 

 like a nation, iliould firfl give proofs of his bravery, and 

 that while he commanded the army, he might learn the 

 art of governing the kingdom. 



The fird: obje^l to which the new king paid attention, 

 was the finifliing of that magnificent temple, which had 

 been defigned and begun by his predecelTor. It was re- 

 fumed with the utmoft fpirit and activity, an incredible 

 number of workmen being alfembled, and was completed 

 in four years. While the building was confi:ru£i:ing, the 

 king went frequently to war, and all the prifoners which 

 were taken from the enemy, were referved for the fefti- 

 val of its confecration. The wars of thefe four years 

 were carried on againft the Mazahuas, a few miles diftant 

 towards the weft, who had rebelled againft the crown 

 of Tacuba ; againft the Zapotecas, three hundred miles 

 diftant in the fouth-eaft ; and againft feveral other na- 

 tions. When the fabric was completed, the king invited 

 the two allied kings, and all the nobility of both king- 

 doms, to its dedication. The concourfe of people was 

 by far the moft numerous ever fecn in Mexico {fi) j as 



this 



(gr) Some authors affirm, that the number of perfons at this feftival amounted 

 to fix millions. Although it appears exaggerated, yet it does not feem altoge- 

 ther improbable, confidering the populoufnefs of that country, the grandeur 

 and novelty of the feftival, and the eafe with which thofe people moved from 

 place to place, being accuftomed to travel on foot without the hindrance of 

 baggage or equipage. 



