Aztec Eagle

Order of the Aztec Eagle
The Order of the Aztec Eagle (Star)
Awarded by  Mexico
Type	Order
Awarded for	Services given to Mexico or to humankind
Status	Currently awarded
Grades	Grand Cross with Chain Grand Cross, Special Class Grand Cross Commander Officer Award
Ribbon of the Order of the Aztec Eagle

The Order of the Aztec Eagle (Spanish: Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca) forms part of the Mexican Honours System and is the highest Mexican order awarded to foreigners in the country.

It was created by decree on December 29, 1933 by President Abelardo L. Rodríguez as a reward to the 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.

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

Since the reform of March 2011, the classes are :

All grades except the collar may be awarded, under the Council's discretion, to distinguished foreigners.

Prior to the 2011 reform, the classes were, in descending order:

Grand Cordon (collar) of the Order of the Aztec Eagle

medal of the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle

Sash and sash badge of the Order of the Aztec Eagle

Breast star of the Order of the Aztec Eagle