387. The Fall of the Aztecs: Prisoners of Montezuma (Part 4)
Nov 13, 2023
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Hernán Cortés and his Spanish comrades arrive in Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs. Montezuma's plans are unclear, is he their guest or their captor? The Spaniards explore the grand city, but tensions rise. Cortés receives news that changes everything. The Fall of the Aztecs is a risky gamble.
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Quick takeaways
Montezuma saw the Spanish conquistadors as potential additions to his zoo-like collection, showcasing his power and dominion.
Montezuma took a defensive position and allowed himself to be taken hostage by Cortez to protect his rule and the stability of the Aztec empire.
Deep dives
Montezuma's Fascination with Collecting
Montezuma, the ruler of the Aztec empire, had a fascination with collecting various items, including serpents, wild animals, and people with physical deformities. He had a zoo-like collection that showcased the diversity of flora, fauna, and human races. This collection served as a display of his power and dominion. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, Montezuma may have seen them as potential additions to his collection, either as exhibits in his zoo or as bodyguards. However, as tensions escalated and more Spanish newcomers arrived, Montezuma discovered that they were potential threats sent to apprehend Cortez. This discovery forced Montezuma to change his perspective and take a defensive position against the Spanish.
Montezuma Takes Cortez Hostage
As the Spanish conquistadors' presence and behavior became increasingly disruptive, Montezuma had to make a crucial decision. He realized that the Spaniards posed a threat to his rule and the stability of the Aztec empire. In a bold move, Cortez convinced Montezuma to come to the Spanish palace, essentially taking him hostage. Although Montezuma appeared compliant on the surface, it is likely that he remained under close supervision and control. This turn of events marked a significant shift in the power dynamic and set the stage for further struggles and conflicts between the Spanish and the Aztecs.
Cortez's Gambles and Divide
Cortez faced numerous challenges and risks during this period. He made the daring decision to divide his forces, taking a small group of men and leaving the rest behind in Tenochtitlan under the command of Pedro de Alvarado. Cortez not only had to confront fellow Spaniards who vastly outnumbered his forces on the coast, but he also had to contend with uncertain alliances and the unpredictable nature of the Aztecs. His actions were high-stakes gambles that would shape the course of the conquest of Mexico.
Tensions and Uncertainty
As Montezuma remained captive and Cortez ventured to confront his fellow Spaniards, tensions and uncertainty permeated the atmosphere in Tenochtitlan. Both sides were trying to assess the measure of the other and determine their next moves. The fate of Cortez's remaining men in Tenochtitlan, the potential outcomes of the confrontation on the coast, and the overall balance of power hung in the balance. The stage was set for a pivotal and dramatic turning point in the conquest of Mexico.
The year is 1519. Hernán Cortés and his Spanish comrades have arrived in Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs, and have been welcomed by their Emperor Montezuma. But what is Montezuma planning? Are the Spaniards his guests - or his prisoners? Has he really acknowledged them as his overlords? Or are they destined for a rather darker fate, as the latest inmates in his mysterious zoo?
In today’s episode, Tom and Dominic follow the Spaniards as they explore the magnificent city of Tenochtitlan, from the crowds in the markets to the blood-drenched shrines atop the temple pyramids.
The days pass, the smiles fade and the tension rises. And then Cortés hears news from the coast that changes everything, and must roll the dice one more time in the greatest gamble of all …
*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!