Tenoch

Tenoch (or Tenuch, ) was a ruler of the Mexica (Aztecas) in the 14th century during the Aztec travels from Aztlán to Tenochtitlan. The settlers of Tenochtitlan were originally referred to as Tenochca, then the Mexica. Tenoch was a respected chief who was elected to power by the council of elders and died sometime between 1350 and 1375, depending on the source.

Tenoch was one of nine Mexica leaders who were told how the Mexica could gain support from the forces of nature. After traveling southward for 200 years, the Mexica found the sign. In honor of their leader, they named a small, reedy island in Lake Texcoco Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan soon became the capital of the Aztec Empire. The Nahuatl symbols of his name are found in the Mexican flag: Tetl: "rock", and Nochtli: "prickly pear cactus".