Mexica: A History Podcast

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all the "Aztec rulers."  In this episode we explore the final leaders who oversaw the Fall of Tenochtitlan. As Moctezuma II is held captive in his final days, a new leader Cuitlahuac rises to fight for h...

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all the "Aztec rulers." In this episode Tenochtitlan is the dominant city-state ruling over their Triple Alliance partners and under the leadership of Ahuitzotl ad Moctezuma the Younger would expand the...

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all the "Aztec rulers." In this episode Tenochtitlan's new rulers are aggressive and eager to expand the empire. Itzcoatl, and his ambitious nephew Tlacaelel, brought a new leadership style that wou...

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all the "Aztec rulers." In this episode Tenochtitlan emerges from the marshes of Lake Texcoco, the first three rulers find themselves subject to King Tezozomoc. Part 1 - Acamapichtli, the first ruler of...

In Episode 9 , Cortes returns to the Valley of Mexico, bringing with him nearly a thousand refreshed Spanish soldiers, and tens of thousands of Tlaxcalan warriors. A brutal siege would grind the Mexica down until their ability to resist was done. This would be the end of Mexica power and culture in the valley. Part 1 - The March to Texcoco Cortes returns to the Valley of Mexico and is welcomed by...

In Episode 8 , Cortes wears out his welcome in Tenochtitlan and sacrifices Moctezuma in a final attempt at saving his ambition: the greatest city in the New World. The Noche Triste, among the most iconic nights in Mexican history, plays out as the Spanish-Tlaxcala army flees the city. Part 1 - Cortes Returns to Tenochtitlan Following the Toxcatl Massacre, which decapitated the Mexica nobility in C...

In Episode 7, Cortes enters the Mexica capital and is welcomed. But things quickly go bad and violence erupts. Part 1 - Entering Tenochtitlan Cortes, his Spanish soldiers and 4 or 5 thousand Tlaxcalan warriors enter Tenochtitlan along the causeway. Part 2 - Meeting Moctezuma Moctezuma emerges from the crowd to welcome Cortes to Tenochtitlan. Part 3 - Guests in the Capital The Spanish are welcomed...

In Episode 6 , Cortes continues his march toward Tenochtitlan with a fateful and violent stop in Cholula . Part 1 - Cholula Cortes and his 400 Spanish soldiers enter Cholula while the nearly 10,000-strong Tlaxcala and Totonac armies wait outside the city. Here they commit one of the worst atrocities ever committed in the Conquest of the New World. Part 2 - Word of the Destruction of Cholula Word o...

In Episode 5 , Cortes marched inland toward Tenochtitlan and passes through difficult terrain and battles on his way to finding a new and powerful ally. Part 1 - Departing Cempoala Cortes and his men depart the Totonac town of Cempoala and head into the lush highlands of the Sierra Madre. Part 2 - Deserts, Valleys and Volcanoes The Spanish expedition reaches the desert highlands and the men suffer...

In Episode 4 , Cortes digs in and settles on the coast. He encounters a new people, the Totonacs, and discovers their conflict with the Aztec Triple Alliance. Part 1 – The Totonacs Cortes learns of the Totonacs, who invite him to meet Xicomecoatl, leader of the town of Cempoala. Cortes learns of their subjugation by the Aztecs, and the anger they hold for Moctezuma. Part 2 – Cempoala Cortes passes...

Episode Three – Along the Coast Cortes departs Maya country and heads north, to Triple Alliance (Aztec) territory. A messenger spots the ships, and this begins a year long political dance between Moctezuma and Cortes. Despite Moctezuma's attempts to curtail the Spanish push inland, Cortes discovers divides among the people. Part 1 – Closing out Business in Potonchan Following his victory at t...

Cortés, Extremadura and the New World. In Episode 2, we explore Extremadura Spain, home of some of the most vicious conquistadors where Cortes was raised. The narrative follows Cortes from his childhood in the small town of Medellin to his first lessons in genocide in Cuba through the climactic battles with the Maya. Part 1 – Extremadura, Home of Conquistadors Part 2 – Life in the Indies Part 3 –...

Episode 1 – Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico. In Episode 1 , we meet the Emperor Moctezuma and learn about some of his habits and beliefs. The Tlatelolco Market comes to life and we walk the streets of Tenochtitlan. Part 1 – Tlatoani Moctezuma Part 2 – Tenochtitlan Part 3 – Politics of the Valley Part 4 – Blood Debt to the Gods Part 5 – Prayer and a Messenger from the Coast Episode 1 Credits Res...

Mexica: A History Podcast is an 8-episode, audio narrative about Moctezuma, the Aztec Triple Alliance and the Conquest of Mexico. Historically sourced (from both Indigenous sources and first hand European accounts) with the goal of bringing the rich sights, scents and sounds of the Mexica world to the listener. This podcast takes the listener through the Spanish defeat of Moctezuma, his Mexica peo...