The Spanish Invasion of Mexico

The Mexicans had a thriving culture long before the Spaniards arrived. They had everything one would expect to find in a city. They had hospitals, schools, temples, and a thriving marketplace. The architecture in their cities was exquisite and the Aztecs had beautiful jewels and other riches. Still, they saw numerous omens that suggested that their thriving culture might not last. These omens occurred a decade before the Spanish arrived on the lake shore.

When the Spaniards first arrived, the Mexicans thought they were gods. The white skin, strange-colored hair, and strange texture of the hair caused great curiosity as did the dogs and "stags" the Spanish brought with them. The natives greeted the Spaniards with gold, finery, hens, and tortillas. They offered friendship, but the Spaniards wanted to fight with the messengers who ran off.

After asking where Mexico City was, the Spanish...