Introduction Through Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

"The Broken Spears 2007 Revised Edition: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico" by Miguel Leon-Portilla is an account of the years 1519-1521 when Cortes and his men entered Mexico and began conquering it. The tale is told from the writings and images of the people who were conquered.

In the Introduction, the Spanish conquistadors first entered Mexico on November 8, 1519. At that time, the land belonged to the Aztecs. Don Hernando Cortes led 600 Spaniards and many native allies, arriving from the direction of Tlalpan. They were welcomed by the Motecuhzomas who thought they were gods.

On Good Friday, April 22, 1519, Cortes landed on the coast at Veracruz. On August 13, 1521, the Aztec capital surrendered to him. The events that took place between 1519 and 1521 are chronicled in various writings, although many writings are written from the viewpoint of the conquerors...