Hernan Cortes and The Destruction of The Aztecs
by In the early 16th century, the Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II ruled from the city of Tenochitilan, situated in the location of present day Mexico City. His armies were feared by neighbouring states who paid tribute to the Aztecs and had hundreds of thousands of their citizens sacrificed in elaborate religious rituals to the Aztec gods.
Moctezuma II. Image source
At the time, the Europeans had only recently discovered the ‘New World’ and still believed it to be Asia. In 1519, a Spanish expedition of around four hundred soldiers and around a hundred sailors led by Hernan Cortes arrived on the coast and began to penetrate into Aztec territory. The aims Cortes and his men were to explore and claim new lands, plunder the vast riches of the area and to spread Christianity throughout the area.
Upon their arrival, the Spanish were met by envoys of Moctezuma II, who was deeply worried about the arrival of the strangers. The emperor believed that an old prophecy might be coming true, and that an ancient god-king might be returning with his followers to reclaim his land.
The envoys brought with them gifts of food, ornate costumes and gold and Cortes wasted no time in requesting an audience with Emperor Moctesuma, having heard of the riches that were present in the capital city of Tenochtitlan. Although the Aztecs were a sophisticated people, they had no horses or iron and were impressed and at the same time frightened by the crossbows, swords and especially the guns of the Spanish.
As they ventured into the villages they encountered little resistance from the local people and the sight of the intruders on horse back prompted one look out to describe them as beasts with ‘two heads and six legs’. In the village of Totonacs, the Spanish were treated as honoured guests and made an alliance after promising to reduce the heavy taxes imposed on them by their Aztec overlords.
Cortes recruited one thousand, five hundred of their soldiers and despite orders to return to Cuba, in 1519 he decided to head inland towards the Aztec capital. Many of his men were against the idea as they would be heavily out numbered and provisions were low but Cortes was determined and before setting off, he burned all his ships to prevent desertion.
Hernan Cortes. Image source
More local soldiers were recruited on the journey towards the capital and they had their first large scale battle when they reached the city of Tlaxcala, which was independent from the Aztecs. Although they were proven warriors and largely outnumbered the Spanish and their allies, the Tlaxcalan were routed with a combination of artillery, cavalry charges and formation fighting.
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Post CommentJames Tiger
On October 22, 2009 at 7:57 am
very interesting article
ceegirl
On October 22, 2009 at 8:43 am
Great article
The Last Ogre
On October 22, 2009 at 10:34 am
Good post. This reminded me of our own history in the Pinas, quite similar in certain areas.
diamondpoet
On October 22, 2009 at 11:42 am
Thank you for sharing that piece of history, great write.
xoxo
On October 23, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Another interesting read. Thank you.
Lauren Axelrod
On October 24, 2009 at 11:17 am
This is an amazing account. I have always been interested in this part of history. The Aztecs are so mysterious and the art that’s associated with them is quite interesting.
Juancav
On October 24, 2009 at 11:35 am
Excellent history reminder.
historigal
On November 4, 2009 at 9:02 am
The Aztecs are a fascinating race. You did am excellent account here. Cheers!
xoxo
On December 21, 2009 at 10:30 am
Imani
On January 31, 2012 at 2:36 pm
This is a great article makes me really hate the spanish and mainly Cortez, they were such ruthless evil people.