Aztec Accounts of the Spanish Conquest

The Aztec Empire, centered in the city-state of Tenochtitlan in present-day Mexico, faced a dramatic turning point in 1519 with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. While much of what we know comes from Spanish sources, the Aztecs themselves also recorded their experiences. These accounts, often written in the Nahuatl language and later translated, offer a different perspective on the encounter that changed the Americas forever.

Aztec records describe the arrival of the Spanish as both mysterious and terrifying. According to the Florentine Codex, a key primary source compiled with the help of Aztec elders, people in Tenochtitlan first saw Spanish ships as “mountains moving on the sea.” Some believed the newcomers might be gods or fulfillments of ancient prophecies. When Moctezuma II, the powerful Aztec emperor, received news of the Spanish landing, he sent gifts of gold and feathers, hoping to keep peace. These actions reveal the complex diplomatic strategies and beliefs of Aztec society.

The Spanish arrival soon led to conflict and violence. The Aztecs’ own accounts, such as those in the Broken Spears collection, describe the massacre at the Templo Mayor during a religious festival in 1520. Spanish soldiers attacked unarmed worshippers, causing panic and anger. This event deepened mistrust and set off a series of battles. Aztec sources detail the siege of Tenochtitlan, highlighting the suffering caused by starvation, disease, and advanced Spanish weapons. These accounts often emphasize the devastation brought by smallpox, which killed thousands and weakened resistance.

Despite fierce resistance, Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish in August 1521. The Aztec accounts mourn the loss of their city and culture, describing “a great destruction and darkness.” Yet, they also record acts of bravery and attempts at adaptation. After the conquest, many Aztec nobles tried to preserve their traditions and knowledge by working with Spanish priests to record their history. Over time, the Aztec world changed dramatically, but some customs and languages survived.

The Aztec perspective on the Spanish conquest reminds us that history can be told in many voices. By studying primary sources from both sides, historians gain a fuller understanding of the causes, effects, and human experiences of this transformative event.

Interesting Fact: The Florentine Codex, which preserves many Aztec voices, was created by Spanish friar Bernardino de Sahagún and his Nahua collaborators between 1545 and 1590.