ABSTRACT
In 1536, don Carlos Ometochtzin, the native ruler of Texcoco, one of the Spaniards’ first allies, was arrested on charges of idolatry and apostasy, and tried before an Inquisitorial court convened by the Bishop of Mexico, Fr. Juan de Zumárraga. Although don Carlos had been baptized and had overtly embraced Christianity, he had not given up the old ways. He had a large collection of images which he had hidden. He worshiped them and practiced some of the old rites before them. His arrest, and eventual conviction and execution, sent shock waves through the colony. 1 The Franciscans had invested considerable effort in the conversion of the native leaders. Basing themselves upon the European experience they reasoned that if the native leader converted to Christianity, as had Constantine of the Roman Empire, the lesser rulers and commoners would follow. Because of this they established schools for the sons of the native nobility, first in Texcoco and later in Mexico City. Yet don Carlos, upon whom such energy had been lavished, was not what he seemed. Rather than being an example of the Christian ruler, he was a hidden pagan.
