The cihuacoatl ( , for "female serpent") was a supreme leader under the Tlatoani (Aztec emperor), or an esteemed advisor, within the Aztec Empire system of government.

The prefix cihua- is a reference to women in Nahuatl, and Cihuacōātl was also the name of a Aztec goddess.

Officeholders Tlacaelel (1420s–1487); office created for him Tlilpotoncatzin (1487–1503) Tlacaelel II (1503–1520) Matlatzincatzin (1520) Tlacotzin (1520–1525); final officeholder

In popular culture The position features in four historical novels by Simon Levack.

See also Class in Aztec society

References