When Incas and Aztecs Conquered Europe: An Alternative History!

When Incas and Aztecs Conquered Europe: An Alternative History!

In 2006, the stories appeared as part of a three-part series called “Moments of History,” which aimed to shed light on the impact of major political events, wars and disasters on everyday life. Among the stories was a particularly striking short story that once reversed the familiar narrative. Instead of describing European conquest, she described how Incas and Aztecs conquered Europe and committed atrocities along the way. This provocative content initially ensured good sales, but the expensive presentation for the target group, mainly young people, proved to be a hindrance to long-term success Bietigheim newspaper reported.

This fictional reversal of history lays the foundation for a discussion about the reality of conquest in the 16th century, when Hernán Cortés went into battle against the powerful Aztec Empire with only about 1,000 men. Tenochtitlán, once the dominant city in the region, was one of the largest and richest cities in the world during the time of the conquistadors, now known as Mexico City. The Aztec Empire, under the rule of Moctezuma II, was embroiled in internal conflicts, which made Cortés' conquest easier, they said History knowledge.

Hernán Cortés and the Conquest

Born in 1485, Hernán Cortés was Governor General of New Spain and is considered one of the founding figures of modern Mexico. His rise began when he received orders from Diego Velázquez, the governor of Cuba, to embark on an expedition to Central America. Despite the withdrawal of his command, Cortés sailed with about 700 men and quickly conquered several indigenous tribes, including the Chontal Maya in 1519. After founding the colony of Veracruz and breaking up his ships to avoid retreat, he marched further inland, declared himself commander of the expedition and established an alliance with the Tlaxcalan, as the Wikipedia describes.

Arriving in Tenochtitlán on November 8, 1519, Cortés was warmly received by the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II, a reception associated with Spanish myth. Cortés captured Moctezuma and began to exert control over the city. These attempts to integrate Christian symbols into Aztec culture soon led to tensions that resulted in a violent rebellion.

The Noche Triste and the consequences

The critical turning point came with the outbreak of the revolt against Spanish rule. Moctezuma was killed by his own people during the rebellion, further diluting the Spanish position. The Spanish were forced to retreat on June 30, 1520, a rout that became known as the “Noche triste,” in which many soldiers lost their lives. But Cortés and a remnant of his men retreated to Tlaxcala and recovered from the heavy defeat, with a smallpox epidemic among the Aztecs playing hugely into their hands.

As a result, Cortés cut off supplies to Tenochtitlán, leading to starvation and a further weakening of resistance among the natives. The final conquest began on August 13, 1521, after the Spanish became militarily better positioned and the last defensive lines were broken. Tenochtitlán was subsequently sacked for four days and many residents were killed, underscoring the brutal reality of the conquest.

The historical debate surrounding these events remains relevant, especially today when the effects of colonialism and imperial violence are still felt in many societies.