Order of the Aztec Eagle

Order of the Aztec Eagle
Order of the Aztec Eagle ;
Awarded by Mexico
Type	Order
Awarded for	Services given to Mexico or to humankind
Status	Currently awarded
Grades	Collar; Cross; Band; Medal; Placard; Venera; Insignia
	; Ribbon of the Order of the Aztec Eagle; ;

The Order of the Aztec Eagle (Spanish: Orden Mexicana del Aguila Azteca;) is a Mexican order and is the highest decoration awarded to foreigners in the country.

It was created by decree on December 29, 1933 by President Abelardo L. Rodríguez as a reward to services given to Mexico or humankind by foreigners. It corresponds to similar distinctions given to Mexican citizens such as the Condecoración Miguel Hidalgo or the Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor. It is given by the office of the foreign minister on the instructions of a Council established for this purpose headed by the President.

History

The Order of the Aztec Eagle is partially descended (in name at least) from the Imperial Order of the Mexican Eagle that was created by Maximilian I of Mexico on January 1, 1865. It consisted of two classes: the Superior Class only available to Heads of State awarding a Grand Cross with Collar, and the Ordinary Class consisting of the following ranks: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.

Design

There is some design similarity of the order with the coat of arms of Mexico, particularly the golden eagle holding a snake, which is associated with the Aztec civilization.

Classes

The classes are, in descending order:

Collar (awarded to heads of state);
Cross (awarded to prime ministers and other heads of government);
Band (awarded to government ministers, secretaries, and ambassadors);
Medal (awarded to government undersecretaries or equivalent, plenipotentiary ministers);
Placard (awarded to ad hoc business representatives and equivalent servants of embassies in Mexico);
Venera (a type of insignia, awarded to ad interim business representatives and other members of diplomatic missions); and
Insignia proper (awarded under the Council's discretion).