384. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Adventure Begins (Part 1)
Nov 6, 2023
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The podcast dives into the thrilling and tragic encounter between Hernán Cortés and Emperor Montezuma in 1519, marking a pivotal moment in history. It explores the excitement in Tenochtitlan as the city prepares for its visitors from across the sea. The conversation also dissects the myths and realities behind the fall of the Aztecs, examining contested narratives and differing perspectives. Listeners gain insights into the motivations of young conquistadors and the grim consequences of colonization, all while unraveling the allure of wealth that drove exploration.
53:34
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Quick takeaways
The meeting of Hernán Cortés and Emperor Montezuma marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec empire.
The Spanish expedition's failure to explore the city of the Totanacs and the Mexica resulted in missed opportunities for monumental discoveries.
Diego Velazquez's choice of an inexperienced but determined leader, Hernán Cortés, proved to be a major miscalculation and led to the conquest of a great empire.
Deep dives
Cortez's Background and Ambitions
Hernan Cortez, born in a modest Spanish town, grows up in a world of rebellion and violence. Restless and ambitious, he seeks his fortune by traveling to Hispaniola and later Cuba. Frustrated with his subordinate role under Governor Velazquez, Cortez seizes an opportunity to join an expedition to explore further west. He sets off with high hopes, having heard reports of a civilization with cities and abundance of gold. However, due to orders, he does not journey to the city and misses out on a monumental discovery.
Grielba's Voyage and Encounter with the Totanacs
Juan de Grielba embarks on an expedition to the coast of Central America. He learns of a great civilization ruled by the Mexica, now known as the Aztecs, from the friendly Totanacs. The Totanacs describe their wealth, strict laws, and temples with signs of human sacrifice. The Spanish see the Mexica as a sophisticated urban civilization, and the Totanacs offer them gold and other gifts. Grielba and his men are ecstatic, but fail to pursue the Totanacs to the city, missing a crucial opportunity.
Teoclemakazki's Arrival and Revelation
Teoclemakazki, a messenger from the city of the Mexica, arrives with gifts, including gold, to meet Grielba's expedition. Their encounter further signifies the vast riches of the Mexica civilization and its organized city. The Spanish are fascinated by the different appearance, customs, and language of the native people. Teoclemakazki then returns to his city, leaving the Spanish eager to explore and stake their claim.
Velazquez's Competition and Selection of Cortez
Diego Velazquez, the governor of Cuba, yearns to profit from the discoveries made by Grielba's expedition, hoping to beat his rival, Diego Colon, the governor of Hispaniola. Velazquez selects Hernan Cortez, an ambitious but subordinate figure, to lead another expedition. His decision is based on Cortez's lack of exceptional qualities, making him more compliant and likely to follow orders.
Significance of Cortez's Appointment
Velazquez's choice of Cortez, an inexperienced but determined leader, proves to be a major miscalculation. This decision sets the stage for one of the most significant and controversial episodes in human history. Cortez's appointment will lead to the conquest of a great empire, marked by extraordinary confrontations and profound consequences.
The meeting of the controversial Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the formidable Emperor Montezuma in 1519 was one of the great hinge moments of world history, and the beginning of the end for the mightiest of the New World empires: the realm of the Aztecs.
The build-up to this extraordinary encounter is at once a thrilling adventure story and a tragic tale of violence, brutality and loss. It’s a story of temples and sacrifices, exploration and imperialism, with cataclysmic consequences for human history.
Join Tom and Dominic in the first episode of this sensational saga, as they follow the young Cortés across the Atlantic to the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Cuba, where the search for gold comes at a terrible price …
*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!