Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Huitziton

HUITZITON, Mexican soldier, lived about the 6th century. He was elected leader of the Mexicans in their long and dangerous peregrinations from the north of the continent to the valley of Mexico. During the march, the Mexicans had to fight many battles against the nations in their way, but, under the command of Huitziton they were always victorious. The prevision of this chieftain was so great that he caused seed to be planted in the different resting-places on their way. When they had not enough provisions, he asked the tribes through which he passed for them, offering in exchange some products of his people's industry; and, if they refused, he fought till he obtained them. He died at a very old age, and his people deified him. He is represented as seated at the left of Mapoche, the lord of the heavens. Many fabulous stories are related among the Mexicans regarding him. After his deification he took different names. Before the separation of the Tlaxcaltecs and Mexicans they divided the bones of Huitziton, and the Tlaxcalans called their god Camaxtle, to distinguish him from the Mexican god.