The Downfall of the Aztec Civilization: Conflicting Beliefs and Actions in Mexico’s History

Mexico, the land of the ancient Aztecs, was first found and colonized by the Spanish. The first expedition to this new land was led by the famous Hernando Cortéz. This quest has often been portrayed as Cortéz destroying the civilization of the poor, trusting Aztecs. This may be true in that Cortéz physically conquered the Aztec nation (which was actually quite advanced), but what actually led to that destruction were mostly the actions of the Aztecs themselves.

Cortéz is often depicted as intent on conquering the natives and the land. Now, in a way, this was true. Yet, he wanted to conquer for Christ, not himself. He set out to Mexico in February 1519 with several priests with the intent to convert as many natives as possible. This man was driven by his faith, not his greed or ruthlessness.

This drive, however, conflicted with the Aztecs beliefs, which would lead to enmity between the Aztecs and the Spaniards. Some speak of Cortéz persecuting the Aztecs’ way of life. This is preposterous because the Aztecs lifestyle was more “a way of death”. The Aztecs sacrificed many people in dark, bloody rituals atop their stone temples to their god Huichilobos (Witchywolves).

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These practices horrified the Spaniards who valued the sanctity of human life. This was murder to them, and they felt that it was their duty to stop this crime. This practice of torture and idol worship in the Aztecs’ religion hurt them. The Aztecs demanded tributes from their many vassal states and allies.

The Aztecs were the original inhabitants of Mexico, but the land was later colonized by the Spanish, who were led by Hernando Cortéz. While it is often portrayed as Cortéz destroying the Aztec civilization, the actions of the Aztecs themselves were mostly responsible for their downfall.

Cortéz had set out to Mexico with several priests in order to convert the natives to Christianity, driven by his faith rather than greed or ruthlessness. However, the Aztecs' beliefs conflicted with the Spaniards', leading to enmity between the two groups.

Contrary to some accounts, Cortéz did not persecute the Aztecs' way of life. The Aztecs' brutal and bloody rituals, which involved sacrificing many people to their god Huichilobos atop stone temples, horrified the Spaniards, who valued the sanctity of human life. To them, this was murder, and they felt it was their duty to put a stop to it.

The Aztecs' religion, with its practices of torture and idol worship, ultimately hurt them. They demanded tributes from their many vassal states and allies, leading to resentment and rebellion. The arrival of the Spanish, with their advanced weaponry and military tactics, only hastened the decline of the Aztec civilization.

Despite the conflict between the Spaniards and the Aztecs, there were some moments of cooperation between the two groups. For example, the Aztecs initially welcomed the Spaniards, believing that their arrival was prophesied and that they were gods returning to Earth. This belief was fueled by the Spaniards' superior technology, including their horses and guns.

However, this initial goodwill did not last long. The Spaniards quickly took advantage of the situation, using the Aztecs' belief in their godhood to gain power over them. They also allied themselves with other indigenous groups who had been subjugated by the Aztecs and were eager for revenge.

The conquest of the Aztec civilization was not just a military victory but also a cultural one. The Spanish imposed their language, religion, and way of life on the indigenous people, forever changing the course of Mexican history. Despite the devastation caused by the conquest, the Aztec civilization and culture have left a lasting legacy in Mexico and beyond, with their art, architecture, and mythology continuing to fascinate and inspire people today.

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