EPISODE 22 The Conquest of Mexico (Part 3): Tenochtitlan Syndrome

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Jul 21, 2017

Discover the dramatic clash between the Spanish and Mexica empires, where cultural awe meets brutal betrayal. Delve into Moctezuma's struggle with impending doom as he navigates treachery and hope. Experience the chaotic descent of Tenochtitlan, witnessing blood-soaked confrontations and desperate attempts to resist invaders. Uncover the psychological toll on leaders, and the harrowing consequences of power shifts, culminating in the heart-wrenching chaos of a city under siege. It’s a gripping tale of glory, treachery, and bloodshed.

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ANECDOTE

Malinche's Warning

Malinche was warned of a plot to kill the Spaniards by a Cholulan leader's wife.
Malinche informed Cortes, potentially changing the course of history.

ANECDOTE

Cholula Massacre

Cortes tortured Cholulan priests, who revealed a Mexica plot.
The Spaniards massacred Cholulans, possibly 3,000-30,000, and sacked the city.

ANECDOTE

Arrival at Tenochtitlan

The Spaniards were awestruck by Tenochtitlan's beauty, comparing it to Venice with pyramids.
Bernal Diaz described it as an enchanted vision.

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“And when we saw all those cities and villages built in the water, and other great towns on dry land, and that straight and level causeway leading to Mexico, we were astounded. These great towns and cues and buildings rising from the water, all made of stone, seemed like an enchanted vision from the tale of Amadis. Indeed, some of our soldiers asked whether it was not all a dream. It is not surprising therefore that I should write in this vein. It was all so wonderful that I do not know how to describe the first glimpse of things never heard of, seen or dreamed of before… But today all that I then saw is overthrown and destroyed; nothing is left standing.” Bernal Diaz

“Have confidence, Montezuma. Fear nothing. We love you greatly.” Hernan Cortes

“What is the use of all these words? Either we take him or we knife him.” Juan Velazquez de Leon

“They ran in among the dancers, forcing their way to the place where the drums were played. They attacked the man who was drumming and cut off his arms… Some attempted to run away, but their intestines dragged as they ran; they seemed to tangle their feet in their own entrails… So great was the bloodshed that blood ran through the courtyard like water in a heavy rain.”

In the 1500s, two highly militaristic peoples fueled by religious ideologies requiring bloodshed clashed with one another. This is the tale of what happened when a band of Spaniards run into the Mexica (Aztec) empire. By the time the dust will settle, out of the 25 million indigenous inhabitants of Mexico, little over a million will be left standing.

In this third episode:

-The massacre at Cholula

-The drunken man’s vision

-The splendor of Tenochtitlan

-Kidnapping an emperor

-Burning people at the stake in front of the Great Pyramid

-Why the Stockholm Syndrome should be renamed Tenochtitlan Syndrome

-A battle between Spaniards and Spaniards

-Alvarado’s bloody choices

-La Noche Triste: the end of the Spaniards?

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