Overview
This lecture analyzes "The Broken Spears," a Nahuatl account of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, focusing on Moctezuma's reception of Cortes, the Spanish occupation, and Aztec cultural practices during the invasion.
Moctezuma Greets Cortes
- Moctezuma welcomes Cortes as a fulfillment of prophecy and treats him as a returning god-king.
- Moctezuma expresses awe and submission, inviting Cortes to rule from the Aztec throne.
- La Malinche translates Moctezuma's greeting to Cortes and vice versa.
- Cortes assures Moctezuma of friendship and promises there is nothing to fear.
Spanish Actions in Tenochtitlan
- The Spaniards examine everything in the city, demonstrating curiosity and boldness.
- Moctezuma is placed under Spanish guard in his own palace.
- Spanish actions create confusion and widespread fear among the Aztec population.
- The Spanish demand and receive food and supplies from Moctezuma, causing resentment among his chiefs.
Greed and Seizure of Aztec Treasures
- Spaniards question Moctezuma about city resources and demand gold.
- Aztec treasures are collected, gold is melted into ingots, and valuable ornaments are seized.
- Spaniards ignore the value of ceremonial objects, burning them to extract gold.
- The seizure of treasures reveals Spanish greed and causes further fear and tension.
Aztec Provision and Fear
- Aztec nobles and commoners become afraid to approach the Spaniards, comparing them to wild beasts.
- Despite fear, the Aztecs supply the Spaniards with necessities but are deeply unsettled.
The Fiesta of Huitzilopochtli
- Aztecs request and receive permission to celebrate the important religious festival of Huitzilopochtli.
- Spanish soldiers monitor the preparations, viewing Aztec religious practices with suspicion.
- A life-like statue of Huitzilopochtli is crafted from chicalote paste and adorned with elaborate decorations.
- The ritual includes offerings and ceremonial dances intended to impress the Spaniards.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Moctezuma — Aztec emperor at the time of the Spanish conquest.
- Cortes — Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.
- La Malinche — Indigenous woman who served as interpreter, adviser, and intermediary for Cortes.
- Tenochtitlan — The Aztec capital city, now Mexico City.
- Huitzilopochtli — Principal Aztec god of war and patron of Tenochtitlan.
- Chicalote — A plant used by Aztecs to make ritual paste or food.
- Tlaxcaltecas — Indigenous allies of the Spaniards against the Aztecs.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the next section of "The Broken Spears" for further analysis of the conquest.
- Prepare notes on differences between Spanish and Aztec perspectives for class discussion.