8 nov 1519 anni - Conqueror of the Aztecs

Descrizione:

In 1519, Cortés' ships reached the Mexican coast at Yucatan. Mexico had

been discovered by the Spanish just a year prior, and they were eager to settle it. Cortés was also interested in converting natives to Christianity. "His view on the indigenous people was similar to the majority of Europeans of that day — they were inferior culturally, technologically, and religiously," said Cosme. "While in Cozumel, he was astounded to learn of the gruesome rituals, including human sacrifice, of the natives to their many gods … He and his men removed and destroyed the pagan idols, and replaced them with crosses and figures of the Virgin Mary."

At Tabasco, Cortés was met with resistance from natives. He quickly overpowered them, and the natives surrendered. They provided the Europeans with food, supplies and 20 women, including an interpreter called Malintzin (also known as La Malinche or Doña Marina). La Malinche became an important figure in Cortés' life and legacy.

"She became bilingual, speaking Aztec and Mayan languages, which made her very useful to Cortés," said Cosme. "She eventually learned Spanish, and became Cortés' personal interpreter, guide and mistress. She actually had a pretty high status for both a woman and a native during this time and place among the Spaniards."

Cortés and La Malinche had a child together named Martin, who is sometimes called "El Mestizo." He was one of the first children of mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage. Eventually, Cortés' Spanish wife came to Mexico. After her arrival, historians are unsure if Cortés continued to acknowledge La Malinche or Martin, said Cosme. "It would seem his desire to maintain his reputation and standing among the Spanish community was stronger than his need to be a husband and father to Malinche and Martin."

After a few months in Yucatan, Cortés headed west. On the southeastern coast he founded Veracruz, where he dismissed the authority of Velasquez and declared himself under orders from King Charles I of Spain. He disciplined his men and trained them to act as a cohesive unit of soldiers. He also burned his ships to make retreat impossible.

Aggiunto al nastro di tempo:

Data: