The Spaniards’ Entry into Tenochtitlán Bernal Díaz del Castillo and Hernán Cortés

How many Spaniards accompanied Cortés when he landed in 1519?

450

What did the Spaniards do during their first months on the coast?

Gathered intelligence on Tenochtitlán and formed alliances with Aztec enemies.

How did Cortés violate his orders from Diego Velázquez?

He marched inland instead of limiting himself to fact‑finding.

What challenges did the Spaniards face on their inland march?

Difficult terrain, armed resistance, and battles with groups like the Tlaxcalans.

How did the Tlaxcalans become Spanish allies?

After fierce fighting, they shifted from enemies to key allies.

How did Moctezuma initially respond to the Spanish advance?

He tried to persuade them to turn back.

What was the Spaniards’ first impression of Tenochtitlán (Díaz del Castillo)?

It appeared dreamlike, unreal, and unlike anything in Europe.

What features of the city amazed the Spaniards?

Causeways, water‑built cities, pyramids, towers, and stone buildings rising from the lake.

How were the Spaniards received in Iztapalapa?

With hospitality, lodging in luxurious palaces with gardens, ponds, and carved monuments.

What does Díaz emphasize about Iztapalapa?

Its beauty and the later destruction of these wonders.

What was the main causeway to Tenochtitlán like?

Wide, straight, crowded with people, canoes, and spectators.

Why were the Spaniards warned about entering the city?

They were vastly outnumbered and entering a powerful capital.

How did Moctezuma greet Cortés (Díaz del Castillo)?

With nobles, ritual respect, a feathered canopy, gold sandals, and strict ceremonial protocol.

What cultural misunderstanding occurred during the greeting?

Cortés attempted an embrace, which was considered disrespectful.

How does Cortés describe the meeting with Moctezuma?

As calm and diplomatic, with mutual gift‑giving and hospitality.

What did Moctezuma reportedly say about the Spaniards’ origins (Cortés)?

hat they descended from former rulers and were rightful lords.

What did Moctezuma deny in Cortés’s account?

hat he was a god; he insisted he was mortal.

How long did the Spaniards initially stay in Tenochtitlán?

Six days, well supplied and honoured.

What astonished the Spaniards about the marketplace of Tlaltelolco

Its size, organization, and variety of goods—greater than European markets.

What goods were sold in the marketplace?

Precious metals, feathers, cloth, enslaved people, food, tools, pottery, and more.

What disturbed the Spaniards at the Great Temple?

Idols and evidence of human sacrifice.

What overall themes emerge from Spanish accounts of entering Tenochtitlán?

Admiration mixed with fear, recognition of Aztec sophistication, and a belief in divine sanction.

What misunderstanding shaped early Spanish–Aztec interactions?

paniards misread Indigenous political rituals as signs of submission.