Who was the ninth ruler of the Aztec Empire who encountered Hernán Cortés?

The ninth ruler of the Aztec Empire who encountered Hernán Cortés was Moctezuma II. Moctezuma II reigned from 1502 to 1520 and is often remembered for his complex interactions with the Spanish conquistadors, particularly during their arrival in Mesoamerica. His leadership was marked by significant expansion and consolidation of the Aztec Empire, but it was ultimately also defined by the challenges posed by the European invasion led by Cortés.

When Cortés arrived in 1519, Moctezuma II initially tried to engage diplomatically with the Spanish, believing them potentially to be divine figures or representatives of the gods due to the timing of their arrival and the Spanish's horses and armor. This encounter was historic and marked the beginning of significant changes in the region, including the subsequent fall of Tenochtitlan and the dismantling of the Aztec Empire. Moctezuma's decisions during this pivotal time reflect both the strength and vulnerabilities of the Aztec civilization, making his name synonymous with the period of first contact with Europe.

The other options, while related to the Aztec culture, do not encompass rulers or significant individuals during the specific encounter with Cortés in the manner that Moctezuma II