The Spanish Reaction to Tenochtitlan

1. The Spanish reaction to Tenochtitlan.

2. The Aztec reception to the Spanish.

3. How the two groups interacted with each other.

4. How did the Spanish take control over Tenochtitlan and what was the outcome.

1. The Spanish had heard many tales of the Aztec Capital of Tenochtitlan. When they arrived on the mainland of modern day Mexico they were greeted by the Mayans. With the help of a native named Malinali, a slave woman, who was familiar with the area and the language, they were able to find their way and secure safe passage to Tenochtitlan. When the Spanish arrived at the city of Tenochtitlan they marveled at its splendor and wealth.

As commented by one Spanish soldier, "These great towns and pyramids and buildings arising from the water, all made of stone, seemed like an enchanted vision."(America: A Concise History; Pg. 10) Compared to the European cities of the time, Tenochtitlan was far more populous with more the 200,000 inhabitants. The Spanish, expecting to find group of savages or uncivilized natives, found a city thoughtfully planned out with an intricate system of canals and markets. The canals reminded them of the canals of Venice, Italy and the markets were well organized into different merchants offering specific items. Each item seemed to have its own place and the variety of items available was astounding. The Spanish soon realized that the Aztecs would be a formidable opponent.

2. As the Spanish entered the city the Aztecs were in awe of what they saw. They welcomed Spanish soldiers to their city with great pomp and circumstance. Chief Montezuma himself greeted them; he was preceded by many of his Lord. As they walked they would sweep the ground and lay down a carpet for Montezuma to walk on. Montezuma was richly adorned in Gold, Silver and other riches of the area.

Once Cortes and Montezuma had greeted each other, Montezuma welcomed Cortes and his soldiers to stay with them in the city of Tenochtitlan. They were given an area to stay, some large houses, where they divided the companies into different living quarters. Following a rest, the Aztecs hosted a meal for the Spanish soldiers. This was one of their customs and rituals in welcoming travelers to their city.

3. Initially there was not much interaction of the two groups. According to Bernal Diaz in the "Spanish Conquest of the Aztecs", the Spanish visitors spent the first 4 days they were in Tenochtitlan staying in the housing provided to them by Chief Montezuma. They would only venture out of the apartments with the