The Rest Is History

385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)

Nov 7, 2023

"The Rest Is History" explores the incredible story of Malinche, a Mayan slave-girl given to the Spanish who becomes Cortés's translator. They discuss her role as guide, lover, and advisor, and question if she's truly loyal to the Spaniards. The podcast delves into the motives and instructions of Cortés, the arrival of a Spanish speaker, the importance of language interpretation and cultural understanding, and the legal requirements and trials faced by conquistadors. They also explore the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, including the role of firepower and fatal exchanges with the Aztecs.

54:52

Episode guests

Malinche

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Cortez and his men are motivated by promises of fame, wealth, and rewards in their conquest of the Aztecs.

Religion plays a role in Cortez's motivations, as he believes it is their duty to bring Christianity to the native peoples.

La Malinche, a young indigenous woman who speaks both Mayan and Spanish, becomes the key translator and negotiator between Cortez and the native peoples.

Deep dives

Cortez persuades his men to join his expedition

Cortez rallies his men, emphasizing the fame and rewards they will receive by venturing into vast and wealthy lands with unparalleled people. He offers them great rewards despite the hardships they may face. As long as they remain loyal, he promises to make them the wealthiest men who have ever crossed the sea. The men cheer and Cortez's golden standard is raised, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.

The Legal Requirement and Perception of Conquests

01:59

Cortez's Plan and the March on Tenochtitlan

04:10

Connecting Cultures Through Language

01:58

Consequences, Motives, and Orders: The Deviation of the Conquistadors

01:37

Introduction

2min

Cortez's Motives and Instructions

20min

The Arrival of a Spanish Speaker and the Introduction of a Important Woman

2min

The Story of La Milinche and the Arrival of the Spanish

5min

The Importance of Language Interpretation and Cultural Understanding

8min

Legal Requirements and Conquistador Trials

4min

The Spanish Conquest: Legal and Christian Aspects, Firepower, and Fatal Exchanges

9min

Hernán Cortés has set sail from Cuba, eager to find the truth behind the rumours of gold on the coast of Mexico. Ahead lies a world he can barely imagine - a land of pyramid temples, terrifying gods and unknown peoples - the empire of the Aztecs. But Cortés has a secret weapon: a woman whose very name has become a byword for treachery …

In today’s episode, Dominic and Tom explore the extraordinary story of Malinche, the slave-girl given by the Mayans to the Spanish, who becomes Cortés’s translator, guide, lover and adviser. As the expedition moves north along the Mexican coast, is she really doing the Spaniards’ bidding? Or has she secretly taken control, leading them ever closer to a tumultuous and bloody showdown? For all the time, Montezuma is waiting …

Don’t miss the second episode in this thrilling account of the Fall of the Aztecs!

*Dominic’s book The Fall of the Aztecs is available now from bookshops across the UK - the perfect Christmas present!*

*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in New Zealand and Australia!

Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com

Twitter:

@TheRestHistory

@holland_tom

@dcsandbrook

Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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The Rest Is History

385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Cortez persuades his men to join his expedition

The motives and justifications of Cortez and the Spanish

Cortez's recruitment of Geronimo de Aguilar and La Malinche

The establishment of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz

Preparations for the march on Tenochtitlan

The Legal Requirement and Perception of Conquests

Cortez's Plan and the March on Tenochtitlan

Connecting Cultures Through Language

Consequences, Motives, and Orders: The Deviation of the Conquistadors

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The Rest Is History

385. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Woman Who Changed The World (Part 2)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Cortez persuades his men to join his expedition

The motives and justifications of Cortez and the Spanish

Cortez's recruitment of Geronimo de Aguilar and La Malinche

The establishment of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz

Preparations for the march on Tenochtitlan

The Legal Requirement and Perception of Conquests

Cortez's Plan and the March on Tenochtitlan

Connecting Cultures Through Language

Consequences, Motives, and Orders: The Deviation of the Conquistadors

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