From the Conquest of New Spain

Who wrote 'The Conquest of New Spain' and what did he document?

Bernal Diaz del Castillo wrote 'The Conquest of New Spain' documenting the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

What significant event did Hernan Cortes plan in 1519?

Hernan Cortes planned the expedition to find Montezuma's gold and the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

What were the main attributes of Aztec power as described by Diaz?

Aztec power relied on a combination of religious ideas and a military system that conquered through terror.

What two gods did the Aztecs primarily worship and why were they significant?

The Aztecs worshipped Quetzalcoatl, a god of creation, and Huitzilopochtli, a warrior god whose need for human sacrifice bolstered military conquests.

How did Cortes manage to communicate with the Tlaxcalans?

Cortes communicated with the Tlaxcalans through Dona Marina, an Indian captive who acted as an interpreter.

What was the significance of the massacre at Cholula in Cortes's campaign?

The massacre at Cholula demonstrated Cortes's ruthlessness and helped cement his alliance with the Tlaxcalans against the Aztecs.

Describe Montezuma's initial reaction upon meeting Cortes.

Montezuma welcomed Cortes with hospitality, impressive displays of wealth, and both exchanged respectful gestures.

What concerns did Cortes's captains express about their situation in Tenochtitlan?

Cortes's captains were worried about their vulnerability and urged him to consider taking Montezuma prisoner to prevent potential betrayal.

What did Montezuma believe about the reports of the Spanish before he met them?

Montezuma believed the Spanish were hostile Teules and did not initially understand their true nature until he saw them.

How did the Aztecs practice their religion according to Diaz's account?

The Aztecs practiced their religion through rituals that included human sacrifices to their gods, particularly Huitzilopochtli.