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The encounter between Hernando Cortes and Montezuma II, Mexico, 1519 (c1820-1839)
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The encounter between Hernando Cortes and Montezuma II, Mexico, 1519 (c1820-1839)
The encounter between Hernando Cortes and Montezuma II, Mexico, 1519 (c1820-1839). Cortes (1485-1547) was the Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico and overthrew the Aztec Empire ruled by Montezuma. Landing in Mexico in 1519, with a force of only some 600 men, Cortes succeeded in overthrowing the empire of the Aztecs, a civilization numbering 5 million. He was able to achieve this partly due to the natives being terrified of the Europeans horses and firearms, neither of which they had seen before. In addition, the Aztecs believed a prophecy that they would be visited by a light-skinned bearded god, the Quetzalcoatl, who had taught them agriculture and government in the past, and whose return they were to welcome with great ceremony. Cortes was able to exploit his resemblance to the Quetzalcoatl to great effect. Montezuma died whilst in Spanish captivity and the Aztec Empire ended with him. Plate 63 from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, Volume I, by Jules Ferrario
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Media ID 15137770
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Arrow Aztec Conqueror Conquest Conquistador Cortes Ferrario Greed Hernan Cortes Hernan Cortez Hernando Hernando Cortes Hernando Cortez Imperialism Jules Jules Ferrario Leader Meeting Mexican Mexico Moctezuma Ii Montezuma Ii Shield Spear Armour Gallina Gallo Headgear Historica Graphica Collection Military Personnel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic encounter between Hernando Cortes and Montezuma II in Mexico, 1519. In this pivotal moment, Cortes, the Spanish conquistador who would go on to conquer Mexico and overthrow the mighty Aztec Empire ruled by Montezuma, stands face-to-face with the emperor. Arriving in Mexico with a mere 600 men, Cortes managed to topple an empire of five million people. His success can be attributed partly to the natives' fear of encountering horses and firearms for the first time. These unfamiliar weapons gave Cortes a significant advantage over his opponents. Furthermore, legend had it that Quetzalcoatl—a light-skinned bearded god—would return to visit the Aztecs after teaching them agriculture and government in ancient times. Exploiting his resemblance to this deity, Cortes cleverly manipulated their beliefs for his own gain. Tragically, Montezuma met his demise while under Spanish captivity. With him perished the once-mighty Aztec Empire—an era coming to an end as depicted in this poignant image. Plate 63 from Jules Ferrario's Le Costume Ancien et Moderne provides us with a glimpse into this extraordinary historical event. The print serves as a reminder of how one man's cunning strategy forever changed the course of Mexican history and left an indelible mark on both civilizations involved—the powerful Aztecs brought down by European conquest.
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