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Hernan Cortes meeting the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, 1519
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Hernan Cortes meeting the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, 1519
Hernan Cortes meeting the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, 1519. Cortes (1485-1547) was the Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico and overthrew the Aztec Empire. 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
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Media ID 14845718
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Aztec Conqueror Conquest Conquistador Cortes Greed Hernan Cortes Hernan Cortez Hernando Hernando Cortes Hernando Cortez Imperialism Leader Meeting Mexican Mexico Treasure Ann Ronan Pictures Military Personnel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historic meeting between Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador, and Montezuma, the Aztec Emperor in 1519. In this pivotal moment, Cortes embarked on a mission that would forever change the course of history. With only a small force of 600 men, he managed to overthrow an empire of five million people. Cortes' success can be attributed to several factors. The Aztecs were both fascinated and terrified by the Europeans' advanced weaponry and horses, which they had never encountered before. Moreover, their belief in a prophecy about the return of Quetzalcoatl – a light-skinned bearded god who had taught them in ancient times – allowed Cortes to exploit his resemblance to great effect. The image depicts two powerful leaders from different worlds coming face-to-face: one representing imperial Spain with its ambitions for conquest and wealth; the other embodying Aztec royalty steeped in tradition and grandeur. Their attire reflects their respective cultures: Cortes donning European robes while Montezuma is adorned in regal Aztec garments. This photograph serves as a visual testament to greed-driven imperialism during the 16th century. It symbolizes not only Cortes' thirst for power but also highlights Mexico's rich heritage being threatened by foreign forces seeking treasure and dominance. Preserved through time by Ann Ronan Pictures, this print allows us to witness this significant encounter that shaped our world today. It reminds us of how historical events can unfold when civilizations collide - leaving lasting legacies that continue to shape our understanding of culture, conquests, and human resilience throughout history.
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