He took power as Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan in 1440; he was preceded by Itzcóatl and followed by Axayacatl in 1469.
Moctezuma formed a triple alliance with two neighboring civilizations, Tlacopan (a small sovereign kingdom) and Texcoco.
Among the Aztecs' greatest achievements was when Moctezuma I, and the King of Texcoco organized the construction and completion of a double aqueduct pipe system giving Aztecs a fresh water supply throughout the city of Tenochtitlan.