EPISODE 20 The Conquest of Mexico (Part 1): People Of The Sun
May 25, 2017
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Explore the clash between Spaniards and Aztecs in brutal detail, shedding light on gory sacrifices and atrocities. Dive into the Mexica civilization and the Spanish conquest of Mexico, contrasting the militaristic aspects and religions of both cultures. Learn about eerie omens and prophecies leading up to the clash, and follow the different paths taken by captured individuals during the conquest.
The Spanish encountered fierce Mayan resistance and cultural practices during their exploratory expeditions.
Signs and omens of impending conflict influenced the beliefs and fears of key figures like Moctezuma.
Conflicts and alliances between the Spanish and Maya showcased complex dynamics amid misunderstandings and strategic engagements.
Deep dives
The Beginnings of Spanish Conquest in Mexico
The Spanish conquest of Mexico was initiated through exploratory expeditions led by Cordoba and subsequent attempts by Grijalva. Cordoba's expedition encountered the Mayan people, facing resistance and tactics including stone and copper axes. Grijalva's voyage involved interactions with the Maya, discovering signs of human sacrifice and uneasy confrontations, leading to brief alliances and misunderstandings about gold expectations.
Omens and Forebodings
Signs and omens foretelling the clash between the Spaniards and the Mexica were reported, including instances such as fires in the sky, temple disasters, and prophecies of doom. Instances of supernatural or forewarning events were attributed to a sense of impending catastrophe, influencing the beliefs and fears of Moctezuma and other key figures.
Maya Interactions and Cultural Practices
Maya interactions with the Spaniards involved cultural observations like altars covered in blood and sacrificial rituals. The encounters with the Maya showcased a society with fierce determination, ritual practices, and warrior traditions that reinforced their resistance against the newcomers. Language barriers and misunderstandings further complicated the engagements.
Leadership and Strategic Moves by Spaniards
The Spanish leadership under Cordoba and subsequent expeditions under Grijalva displayed a mix of diplomatic gestures, military encounters, and navigational challenges. Leaders like Velázquez sought further exploration and exploitation of new territories, leading to engagements that tested alliances, interpretations of omens, and expectations of wealth.
Spanish-Maya Conflict: Hostility Prevailed
The conflict between the Spanish and the Maya showcased moments of seeming friendliness but ultimately hostility prevailed. Despite confusion in interactions, a battle ensued where the Maya, painted in black and white, issued a clear ultimatum to the Spanish using a torch as a symbol of impending danger. The Spanish, led by Grigalva, positioned themselves strategically to engage in battle, resulting in casualties on both sides. This encounter highlighted the complex dynamics of early Spanish-Maya interactions amidst misunderstandings and conflicting intentions.
Cortez's Journey and Encounter with the Natives
Hernan Cortez's expedition, marked by a series of conflicts and alliances, exemplified his ambitious and pragmatic nature. Cortez, a charismatic figure with a colorful past, embarked on a journey filled with challenges and betrayals. Despite initial skepticism and internal struggles within his team, Cortez exhibited diplomatic finesse in gaining the loyalty of expedition members and local allies. The encounter with Gonzalo Guerrero, a Spaniard integrated into the Maya culture, highlighted the complexities of cultural assimilation and individual choices in the backdrop of the Spanish conquest narrative.
“Behold this torch which we will light and place between our armies. If you do not make haste and retreat before the torch is burned, you will die. We do not want you as guests.” Maya warning to the Spaniards in 1518
“Do not lose your soul for the sake of an Indian woman” Geronimo de Aguilar to Gonzalo Guerrero
In the 1500s, two highly militaristic peoples fueled by religious ideologies requiring bloodshed clashed with one another. This is the tale of what happened when a band of Spaniards run into the Mexica (Aztec) empire. By the time the dust will settle, out of the 25 million indigenous inhabitants of Mexico, little over a million will be left standing.
In this first episode:
-The development of Mesoamerican civilizations leading up to the Mexica
-An unfortunate misunderstanding between the Mexica and their neighbors involving a flayed princess
-The toughest mercenaries in the Valley of Mexico
-Serving the God of War
-A ballgame to settle a dispute on the meaning of creepy omens
-The Cordoba expedition
-The Grijalva expedition
-Pedro de Alvarado and his gangsta rap taste in jewelry
-Hernan Cortes and his playboy ways
-If you drop out of law school, at least conquer an empire
