386. The Fall of the Aztecs: The City of Gold (Part 3)
Nov 9, 2023
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Hernán Cortés defies orders and heads inland in search of gold-rich Tenochtitlan. Encounter with the Clashkalans, awe-inspiring arrival at the Valley of Mexico, and the astonishing beauty of Mexico City. Spanish arrival in Tenochtitlan and introduction of Emperor Moctezuma. Analysis of Montesuma's language usage and unknown political challenges. Cliffhanger regarding the Spanish's status in Tenochtitlan.
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Quick takeaways
Montezuma's gesture of welcoming Cortez to the city of Tenochtitlan was misconstrued by Cortez as a surrender, highlighting the cultural differences and language barrier between the two parties.
The Spanish are overwhelmed by the grandeur and unfamiliarity of Tenochtitlan, struggling to comprehend the customs and language of the Mexica, adding to the challenges of communication and understanding.
Deep dives
Montezuma welcomes Cortez and the Spanish to his kingdom
Montezuma greets Cortez and welcomes him to the city of Tenochtitlan. He expresses hospitality and offers his kingdom to Cortez, acknowledging him as the ruler. Cortez, in turn, misconstrues this gesture as a surrender of Montezuma's kingdom to the Spanish crown. There is confusion and misinterpretation on both sides due to cultural differences and the language barrier.
The clash between Mexica and Clashkala alliances
The arrival of the Spanish with their Clashkala allies creates a perplexing situation. It is unclear how the Mexica are dealing with the presence of their traditional enemies within their city. The clash between the Mexica and Clashkala alliances poses challenges in terms of accommodation, communication, and integration. The dynamics between the Spanish, Mexica, and Clashkala remain mysterious, as historical accounts provide limited information about their interactions during this period.
Cortez's motivation and intentions
Cortez's motivations and intentions are complex and subject to interpretation. While some argue that he believed Montezuma had surrendered his kingdom, offering it to the Spanish, others speculate that he manipulated the situation to present himself as a defender of Spanish interests to Charles V. The Spanish arrival in Tenochtitlan and their interactions with Montezuma, Malinche's translations, and the unfamiliarity of the situation contribute to misunderstandings and varying interpretations of Cortez's actions.
The overwhelming experience of entering Tenochtitlan
The Spanish are overwhelmed by the sights and experiences as they enter the city of Tenochtitlan. They are confronted with vast pyramids, bustling crowds, and elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The scale, architecture, and beauty of the city astound them. They struggle to comprehend the customs, language, and significance of the events unfolding before them. The sensory overload and disorientation add to the challenges of communication and understanding between the Spanish and the Mexica.
Making a decision that will change the course of history, Hernán Cortés chooses to disobey his orders and head inland in search of the gold-rich empire of the mysterious Montezuma. Ahead lie the mountain passes that will lead him down into the Valley of Mexico, a vast lake shimmering at its heart.
In the middle of the lake lies the island city of Tenochtitlan, a vision of bustling marketplaces and soaring pyramids. But are the Spaniards advancing as conquerors - or are they walking into a trap? And just what is Montezuma planning?
Join Dominic and Tom to explore perhaps the most astonishing encounter in all human history - not just the meeting of two extraordinary characters, but a collision of cultures that will have dark and bloody consequences …
*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!