The rulers of Tenochtitlan were always pre-eminent and gradually transitioned into the sole rulers of the empire; under either Tizoc (1481–1486) or Ahuitzotl (1486–1502), the tlatoque of Tenochtitlan assumed the grander title huehuetlatoani ("supreme tlatoani") to indicate their superiority over the other tlatoque in the alliance.
The leaders of Tenochtitlan held supreme authority and eventually became the sole rulers; under either Tizoc (1481–1486) or Ahuitzotl (1486–1502), the ruler of Tenochtitlan assumed a more prestigious title, huehuetlatoani ("great leader"), to signify their dominance.