Who Is Responsible For The Ultimate Downfall Of The Aztec Society

In 1520, the Aztec civilization was faced with a severe outbreak of disease causing a significant impact on society. The Aztecs, who spoke Nahuatl, were known for their architecture, military, and agriculture, making them one of the most sophisticated cultures of its era. The illnesses that evolved at that time was in great severity destroying 80% of the entire population due to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, such as Hernan Cortes and his small band. The Spaniards had its final victory on 13 August 1521 as they brought diseases such as smallpox, measles, typhus, and cholera. For centuries, historians have engaged in a debate regarding how such an advanced civilization like the Aztecs collapsed within two years. Despite being one

A compelling source is a graph presenting the estimated change in the population, which is a secondary source that displays no opinion. This indicates that 24 million people had passed away between 1519 and 1602 and around 1 million people had remained causing a drastic decline in the population. (Cambridge Go, n.d) This graph implies that disease diminished the number of troops to defend the civilisation, causing numerous difficulties in rising a strong defence against the Spanish invasion. This offered the Spanish conquistadors an upper hand in their conquest, causing the collapse of the civilization. Furthermore, a primary source by Sahagun Bernardino, provides a Florentine Codex from the 15th century. It depicts the Aztecs' suffering smallpox and the widespread inability to work and contribute to the society. (Bernardino, 1577) This source, developed to record the Aztec people's history following the Spanish arrival, can be considered dependable. As a primary source, the codex demonstrates the extent to which the Aztecs were unable to work, causing numerous disadvantages to the society such as the incapacity to protect the civilization from the Spanish. Hence, the decreased number of soldiers available to support the society due to the introduction of disease led to the collapse of the Aztec

According to a book named “A very short Introduction” by an esteemed American historian professor, David Carrasco states “… primarily religious rather than medical. The gods and the goddesses were called upon for protection…. and offerings were made in the form of flowers, chocolate, incense….” (Carrasco, 2012). Written to educate the public on the tactics the Aztecs implemented, Carrasco’s secondary source provides an unbiased and reliable account of the events. This evidence further demonstrates that the Aztecs relied on religious and spiritual approaches however, it was insufficient in effectively combating the illness as there were no religious practices addressing the diseases and health issues directly. This perspective is supported by Austin Community College District and states “The Aztecs practiced surgeries, used herbs….to cure the sick (Ortiz, n.d). Ortiz’s secondary source can be considered reliable as it was created by an Australian education website and provides and unbiased account of the events. This demonstrates that the Aztecs had some understanding of disease treatment, but it was insufficient owing to the changing quality of plants used in medicines, which was impacted by factors such as season and geographical location. The Aztec’s may have used herbal remedies as it carried a symbolic and spiritual meaning to themselves. As a