The Rest Is History 386. The Fall of the Aztecs: The City of Gold (Part 3)
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Nov 9, 2023 Hernán Cortés's audacious decision to seek the Aztec empire sets the stage for a historic clash. The beauty of Iztapalapan captivates the explorers, shadowed by the destruction they will bring. Complex alliances with the Tlaxcalans unfold, while the explorers navigate the advanced civilization of Tenochtitlan. The meeting with Emperor Moctezuma reveals misinterpretations of leadership and culture. Tension mounts as political uncertainties rise, foreshadowing the dramatic consequences of this cultural collision.
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Malinche's Agency
- Dominic Sandbrook's children's book, "Fall of the Aztecs," reimagines Malinche's role in Cortes's march.
- It portrays her with more agency, possibly influencing Cortes's decision.
Cortes's Motivation
- Cortes's motivations for marching on Tenochtitlan remain unclear, possibly a mix of ambition and desperation.
- He likely saw it as a better alternative to his mundane life as a notary.
Encounter with Zautla
- Cortes's expedition encounters the Zautla tribe, whose chief claims everyone is a vassal of Montezuma.
- This encounter highlights the Mexica's worldview and their ruler's vast influence.
