When discussing the Aztecs and how Cortez was able to conquer them with the help of other Mesoamerican tribes that were the Aztecs enemies, I was thinking to myself that I thought I remembered learning that Cortez conquered them using the previously mentioned tactic, but also using others. I took a class on Latin American History and I was taught that Cortez was able to infiltrate the Aztecs because they thought he was a God. Once taken to the Aztec King, Cortez ended up taking him hostage. I forgot what happened after that but I remembered that was emphasized as a huge factor in his success of taking over the Aztecs. I was wondering if anyone has any clue what I am talking about because I am not sure if I am even talking about the same civilization.
Another question I have due to my poor memory is in regard to the "fountain or youth." Wasn't this something that the Spanish was looking for when they came to the America's. It seemed to me that this was quite important and it wasn't mentioned in class so once again I was wondering if I am losing it or if the "fountain of youth" was something that attracted the Spanish, or anyone for that matter, to the America's.
One other quick question I had was over kinship economy. I know that this was a collaboration between Europeans and Native American's but how is that related to kinship? My impression of kinship is the blood ties between two or more people or groups. Is this wrong? Is the economical aspect the trading that was done between the two sides? Very confused, so any help would be great.
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Nicholas! I too had heard that the Aztec’s believed Cortez to be a god, and took him into the heart of their city. You would think this would make conquest significantly easier. I wonder if this is one of those western propagated misnomers, much like the Disney Pocahontas. I could see that.
I’m not sure who the guy looking the fountain of youth was, but I strangely seem to think it was Cook, and that the artifact he actually sought was the Holy Grail. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if I was wrong! If I found the fountain of youth, you can guarantee that I would be selling that junk on QVC at 3 in the morning and live on in a lap of luxury for the rest of my eternal life!
Nope, you’re not losing it. I have heard the same things too. In a history class back in high school, the Cortez capturing Montezuma story was mentioned as how the Spanish defeated the Aztecs. The problem with this is that very little was mentioned about the other Native tribes helping Cortez. So that makes me wonder if the story is legit or not. As for the fountain of youth, that was one of the reasons for the expeditions into Florida. I thought Tai mentioned that in class when we were on that section.
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