Essay On The Aztec Empire

The Aztec empire is known for its power, geographical size, and sacrificial religion. Ironically it was all this that led to its downfall at the hands of Hernán Cortés on August 13, 1521. Aztec mythology foretold the prophecy of Quetzalcoatl, a god, who would return on the year One Reed (1519) to reclaim his kingdom. By the time the Aztec civilization was at its height in 1519 it already had several problems with revolts and rebellions due to its impressive geographical extent. Moctezuma had oppressed many tribes which quickly allied with Cortés in order to bring down their common enemy. Hernán Cortés was born around 1485 in Medellin, Spain. In 1518, friend and rival, Velazquez cancelled Cortés expedition to Mexico. Cortés ignored the order and set sail with 500 men and 11 ships. In February 1519 he reached the Mexican coast. Resistant natives at Tabasco were no match for European forces. After their defeat they provided Cortés and his men with basic necessities and well as handed over 20 females, one of which severed to

At first they were reluctant to ally with him even after seeing the power of his men. Both Tlaxcalan and Mexica (Aztec Civilization) belonged to the same Aztec culture; the Tlaxcalan lived in the shadows of their Mexica counterpart. For years the Mexica overpowered their neighboring city-states and obligated those who surrendered to offer part of their production as tribute. Although the Mexica Empire was very strong the Tlaxcalan Indians never fell to their hands, for this reason Cortés knew he had to make them his allies. After a few days in battle with Tlacalan Indians the Spaniards proved themselves in battle. When the Spanish entered Tlaxcalan territory on September 18 they were welcomed as heroes who opposed the Aztec empire just as much as they did. Cortés offered them a place in his Spanish dominated Mexico which increased his army’s numbers by