Cuauhtemoc, last of the Aztec Emperors, is one of Indian Mexico's greatest heroes. After his desperate temple-to-temple defense of Mexico City against the Spaniards had collapsed in 1521, Cortes captured him, took him as a prisoner on a campaign of conquest through the southern jungles. There, in 1525, the conqueror had the emperor hanged. For more than 400 years, scholars have wondered what became of Cuauhtemoc's body. Last week, in the muddy village of Ixcateopan, 120 miles southwest of Mexico City, the riddle was finally solved.
Some months ago the priest in Ixcateopan sent the National Museum a frayed and yellowed...
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