Xiuhtlaltzin was born in the 10th century in the
Toltec Empire. Her name translates from
Nahuatl as "Flower of the Little Earth". She was married to Mitl, the sixth Tlatoani of the empire. In 979, upon either his death or the end of his 52-year reign, Xiuhtlaltzin became ruler.
Toltec law did not allow for women rulers and Xiuhtlaltzin's rule was the only exception in the Toltec patrilineal succession. Xiuhtlaltzin ruled for four years, until 983. While there is no record of specific events that occurred during her reign, The
Anónimo Mexicano states that Xiuhtlaltzin was the seventh ruler, following Mitl. The account says that she ruled for four years and that rule was followed by all the lords ruling together. According to the historian
Fray Juan de Torquemada (c. 1562–1624), who was likely familiar with the
Anónimo Mexicano, Xiuhtlaltzin's four-year rule was followed by that of Tecpancaltzin (also known as Topiltzin). Other accounts report an
interregnum of 48 years following the end of her reign. According to Bancroft, Spanish records indicated that Xiuhtlaltzin was followed by Tecpancaltzin while Nahua records indicated that her son, Matlaccoatl, reigned after her. Xiuhtlaltzin was buried next to her husband in the Temple of the Frog God in
Tula. ==Depictions==