Tlacochcalcatl
A Tlacochcalcatl ( Nahuatl for: "The man from the house of darts") was an Aztec title or rank similar to that of a general.
During the war he was the second in command under the Tlatoani (emperor) and usually led the army into battle when the ruler was otherwise prevented. Together with the Tlacateccatl (General) he was responsible for the army and took over all military decisions and planning when the Tlatoani had decided to undertake a campaign.
The Tlacochcalcatl was also the master of the Tlacochcalco . Tlacochcalco (Nahuatl for: "in the house of darts", from Tlacochtli , the dart or short spear that was shot with the atlatl ) was the name of one of four armories in the four entrance areas of the ceremonial district of the capital Tenochtitlan . These main arsenals were stocked with new weapons every year during the festival of Quecholli , in the case of Tlacochcalco with darts.
The Tlacochcalcatl was always a member of the Cuachicqueh ("the shorn") warriors' union .
The office of tlacochcalcatl was often the final step in becoming the next tlatoani .
The first Tlacochcalcatl was installed in office under the rule of Huitzilíhuitl , who installed his brother Itzcóatl , who possibly also served under the rule of Chimalpopocas . When Itzcóatl became Tlatoani , he put Tlacaelel as Tlacochcalcatl and Montezuma Ilhuicamina as Tlacateccatl , when Tlacaelel became Cihuacoatl , Montezuma Ilhuicamina was named Tlacochcalcatl . It is not known who Tlacochcalcatl was under the reign of Emperor Montezuma . Tlacaelel may have held a dual position during this period.
After Montezuma's death, Axayacatl became the new emperor. The Tlacochcalcatl under him was Tízoc , who succeeded Axayacatl's death as ruler. Tízoc, who was viewed as a weak ruler, was deposed and his Tlacochcalcatl Auítzotl became ruler. Auítzotls Tlacochcalcatl became the next ruler: Montezuma II. The Tlacochcalcatl under Montezuma II. When the Spaniards arrived was Quappiatl.