Broken Spears is a book written by Miguel León-Portilla, a Mexican historian and anthropologist, that provides a detailed account of the conquest of the Aztec Empire by the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century. The book is based on primary sources written in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and provides a unique perspective on the events of the conquest from the perspective of the indigenous people.
The book is divided into three main chapters, each of which provides a summary of the events leading up to, during, and after the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
The first chapter, "The Arrival of the White Men," covers the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the New World and their initial encounters with the Aztecs. The chapter describes how the Aztecs were initially surprised and fearful of the strangers, with their pale skin, beards, and strange clothing, but were eventually won over by the gifts and promises of the conquistadors. The chapter also covers the initial attempts by the Aztecs to resist the conquistadors, including the failed attempt to capture Hernán Cortés, the leader of the conquistadors, and the subsequent alliance between the Aztecs and the Spanish.
The second chapter, "The Conquest," covers the main events of the conquest of the Aztec Empire, including the capture and execution of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II and the eventual fall of the capital city of Tenochtitlán. The chapter describes the brutal tactics used by the conquistadors, including the use of firearms and horses, and the devastating impact these had on the Aztec army. The chapter also covers the efforts of the Aztecs to resist the conquistadors, including the rebellion led by Moctezuma's brother, Cuitláhuac, and the efforts of other indigenous peoples to resist the Spanish.
The final chapter, "The Aftermath," covers the aftermath of the conquest and the effects it had on the Aztec people. The chapter describes the widespread destruction and loss of life that resulted from the conquest, as well as the efforts of the Spanish to convert the Aztecs to Christianity and impose their own culture and way of life on the conquered people. The chapter also covers the resistance and rebellion of the Aztecs against the Spanish and the eventual decline of the Aztec Empire.
Overall, Broken Spears provides a valuable and unique perspective on the events of the conquest of the Aztec Empire, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of the indigenous people who were affected by the events of the time. The book is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and autonomy.
