Travel Log (HIS112) R.L

[aztec-to-new-spain]

My Reflection Leaving New Spain

As i'm ready to return home, I constantly think about the moment I first arrived in Tenochtitlan. I remember being amazed by the city, the canals and the people who called it home. I never would have imagined that I would witness so much change in such a short amount of time. From meeting Emperor Moctezuma, to surviving the scary night of La Noche Triste, and then watching the fall of the Aztec Empire...every stop on my journey taught me something new.  

  Even though my adventure is coming to an end, I know that I will never forget what I experienced here. History isn't just about dates and timelines, it's about people who lived through these moments of battle and struggle. As I leave New Spain behind, I carry with me a huge appreciation for the Aztec civilization and the lasting impact it has on the world. I may be heading home, but a part of me will always stay in Tenochtitlan 

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Accidentally witnessed the rise AND fall of an empire...oops

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(5.) A New Beginning of Mexico city and New Spain - 1521-1535

 Today I walked through the same place where I first arrived by my canoe just a few years ago. It is almost impossible to recognize this place. The smell is different, it looks different, and it feels different in my heart. The beautiful flowing canals that once carried the merchants and travelers are slowly disappearing as the Spanish workers begin rebuilding the city. Churches, government buildings, and new streets are taking the spot of Aztec temples and neighborhoods. Even though the city still stands on the same land, it feels like I have stepped into an entirely different place. 

  While reading Hernan Cortes's second letter, I remembered how important the city was to the Spanish from the very beginning. Cortez admired its size, organization, and location. Which helps me understand why the Spanish chose to rebuild here instead of creating a new capital somewhere else. Looking back from then till now, I can see that although the city has changed, its importance has stayed the same throughout its journey. It remains the heart of central Mexico, even under a new government. 

  According to Encyclopedia.com, Spain established the Viceroyalty of New Spain to strengthen royal control over its growing territories with Mexico City - which served as the colonial capital. As time went on. New Spain expanded far beyond the former Aztec Empire and became one of the most important parts of the Spanish Empire. Standing here on my final day, I realized that my journey has taught me that history is never just about victories or defeats. It’s about how one civilization influences another, leaving behind traditions, ideas, community, and places that continue to shape the future. 

  As I’m preparing to return to my home, I keep thinking about the moment I first crossed Lake Texcoco and saw Tenochtitlan rising from the water. I never imagined I would witness both the height of the Aztec empire AND the beginning of New Spain! Although the city has been flipped upside down, the memories of its people, culture, and achievements will stay with me long after my journey ends. 

Sources:  

Cortes, Hernan. Second letter of Hernan Cortes. Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcwdl.wdl_19994/?st=image 

“New Spain, the Viceroyalty of.” Enclycipedia.com, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/new-spain-viceroyalty-0 

[aztec-to-new-spain]

Reminiscing on my first day :,(

I can't believe how much has changed in such little time!!

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(4). The Fall of Tenochtitlan - August 13, 1521

 After months of fighting, I have returned to Tenochtitlan, but the city I once admired is almost unrecognizable. The beautiful canals are filled with broken canoes and debris, many of the buildings have been destroyed, and the busy marketplaces are now silent. Hunger and disease levels have spiked throughout the city, leaving many families weak and struggling. As I walk through the streets, I can feel the sadness and determination of the Aztec people as they continue defending their home despite overwhelming struggles.  

  The Florentine Codex, which was recorded by Fray Bernardino, describes the surrender of the Aztec emperor Cuauhtemoc after the long siege of Tenochtitlan. The account explains That although he had fought bravely to defend his people, he accepted defeat and was taken prisoner by the Spanish. Watching how this moment unfolds, I could see the sorrow on the faces of the surviving Aztecs. I felt a great feeling of sadness and doom for the people around me. It was clear that the fall of their capital marked the end of an era that they fought so desperately hard to protect. 

  According to National Geographic Education, the fall of Tenochtitlan on August 13th, 1521, ended the Aztec Empire and allowed the Spanish to establish control over central Mexico. The article explains that months of warfare, disease, struggles, and the support of thousands of indigenous allies all contributed to this Spanish victory. Standing among the ruins of the beautiful city that what once was, I realized I was witnessing one of the most significant turning points in history. Although this battle was over, this will affect and shape the future of Mexico for centuries. 

 Leaving Tenochtitlan is much harder than I thought. I still Remember my first arrival and being amazed by its beauty, but now I leave with a heavy heart after seeing how quickly war can change an entire civilization. My final stop will take me into the early years of New Spain, where I plan to learn how life changed after the conquest.  

Sources: 

Sahagun, Bernardino de. “Cuauhtemoc Surrenders.” American Historical Association, https://www.historians.org/resource/cuauhtemoc-surrenders/ 

National Geographic Society. “Tenochtitlan.” National Geographic Education, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tenochtitlan/ 

[aztec-to-new-spain]

Did NOT expect to be running for my life tonight...

I'm just trying to witness history...safely!

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(3). La Noche Triste - June 30th 1520

 Tonight was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The lively streets of Tenochtitlan that I explored months ago have been replaced by fear, confusion, and the sounds of battle. As darkness covers the city I watch as Spanish Covers the city I watch as Spanish soldiers and their allies quietly begin their escape from the Aztec capital!  Their footsteps echoed across the stone causeways while they tried to carry as much treasure as possible. Soon after, the silence was destroyed by cries, alarms, drums, and whistles as Aztec warriors realized they were fleeing canoes quickly surrounded the water and arrows and spears flew through the night the air smelled of smoke in lake water and the panic was impossible to ignore. As I walk through the city, I feel sadness in my heart.  

  Bernal Diaz del Casillo describes this desperate escape in The True History of the Conquest of New Spain. He recalls fierce fighting, broken bridges and many Spanish soldiers who drowned after becoming weighed down by stolen gold. Standing near the Causeway, I could see just how dangerous the escape had become. Some soldiers desperately tried to help one another, while others disappeared beneath the water. It became clear that greed and confusion only made the situation heavier. 

 According to Encyclopedia Britannica, La Noche Triste marked one of the greatest setbacks of Cortes expedition. Although the Spanish escaped Tenochtitlan, they suffered devastating Losses of soldiers, allies and supplies. This defeat forced Cortes to regroup and carefully plan a return. Watching everything unfold, I’m realizing that this is not simply a Spanish defeat or an Aztec victory. This was a tragic night that cost thousands of lives and forever changed the course of the conquest. 

  As the sun began to rise, I feel the warm summer sun on my skin, I notice the causeways are full of litter of abandoned weapons, broken armor, and signs of the terrible battle last night. I find this heartbreaking to see how quickly this beautiful city had transformed from the thriving capital I first walked into, now in a place of destruction and sorrow. Although the Spanish managed to escape, I cannot shake the dooming feeling that a greater battle is on its way.... 

Sources:

Diaz del Castillo, Bernal. The True History of the Conquest of New Spain.  

https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.06880/page/242/mode/2up

The editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Hernan Cortes.”  Encyclopedia Britannica,  

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hernan-Cortes

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Just met the emperor....the whole city went quiet!!

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(2). Meeting Emperor Moctezuma II - November 1519

Today I witnessed one of the most unforgettable moments of my journey through the Aztec Empire. As I walked through the streets of Tenochtitlan, the busy marketplaces suddenly grew quiet. Merchants paused their conversations, people stepped aside, and everyone turned toward the main Rd. Would quickly spread that emperor Moctezuma II was approaching. The atmosphere immediately changed from lively to respectful. Nobles dressed in colorful feathered clothing walked ahead of him. While attendance carefully carried beautiful gifts, the smell of burning incense filled the air and the silence of the crowd made the moment feel even more tense. Seeing the Emperor arrive immediately showed me how respected and influential he was among his people. 

  As I stood back and continued watching, I understood why this meeting became one of the most famous moments in history. In the true history of the conquest of New Spain, Bernal Diaz del Castillo describes Moctezuma as a dignified ruler who wore elegant clothing and was treated with extraordinary respect by everyone around him. While standing here, I can agree completely. Diaz explains that no one looked directly at the emperor for so long, and his assistance carefully served him throughout the ceremony. Watching this unfold in front of my eyes, I could feel the deep respect the people of Aztec have for their leader as well as the importance of this historical moment. 

  Modern historian Mark Cartwright explains that Moctezuma II was an experienced ruler who faced a difficult situation when the Spanish arrived in Tenochtitlan. Rather than rushing to understand the strangers intentions, Moctezuma responded with caution while trying to protect his people and his empire. Standing among the crowd, I can sense uncertainty on both sides. Although everyone remains calm and respectful, there is an uneasy feeling that neither group truly knows what will happen next. 

  As I leave the Palace area, I can't stop thinking about how quickly history can change. Today I witnessed a respectful meeting between two powerful leaders, but knowing what lies ahead makes this moment feel bittersweet. For now, Tenochtitlan remains strong, yet it feels as if the future of the Aztec Empire is starting to shift in front of my eyes! 

Sources:

Diaz Del Castillo, Bernal. The True History of the Conquest of New Spain. https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.06880/page/32/mode/2up

Cartwright, Mark. "Montezuma: Last Ruler of the Aztecs." World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/

[aztec-to-new-spain]

Europe wasn't ready for this city!! :-0

[aztec-to-new-spain]

(1). My Arrival in Tenochtitlan - November 1519

Today I finally arrived in Tenochtitlan. The capital of the Aztec Empire and I can honestly say I've never seen anything like this place. As my canoe glides across the calm waters of Lake Texcoco, the city slowly rises into my view. There are massive stone temples that tower over the skyline, while Aztec causeways connect the island to the mainland. The canals are crowded with canoes carrying people, food, flowers, and necessities to the market. The air smells of fresh corn, herbs, a light smell of fish, and water from the lake. While Merchants bargain loudly in a language that I can't yet understand, I look around and see a city full of color, community, and activity.  

  Walking through the streets i quickly understand why Hernan Cortes was so amazed when he first saw the city in his second letter to Charles V, Cortes describes Tenochtitlan las larger and more organized than many cities in Europe. He writes about the impressive marketplaces, wide streets, and orderly canals that made transportation and trade possible. Although Cortes arrived as a conqueror, His own account shows just how advanced and beautiful the Aztec capital truly was. Seeing these places with my own eyes makes his descriptions feel real instead of dramatic. 

  Modern historian Camilla Townsend Also explains that Tenochtitlan Was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world during the early 16th century. She described how the Aztecs built a thriving society through careful engineering, organized government, and successful agriculture. Looking around, I can see evidence that everywhere from the clean streets and busy marketplaces to the impressive temples and carefully planned layout of the city, this is the center of culture, trade, innovation, and community. 

  As the sun begins to set over Lake Texcoco, I cant help but admire everything around me. It is difficult to imagine that within only a few years this wonderful city will experience such a dramatic change. For now, Tenochtitlan stands as one of the greatest cities in the world, and I am incredibly grateful to witness it at the peak of its journey.  

Sources:

Cortes, Hernan. “Second Letter of Hernando Cortés to Charles V | Early Americas Digital Archive (EADA).” Eada.Lib.Umd.Edu, https://eada.lib.umd.edu/text-entries/second-letter-of-hernando-cortes-to-charles-v/.

Townsend, Camilla. Fith Sun: “A New History of the Aztecs”. Oxford University Press, 2019. 

https://rodrigomorenog.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/townsend-fifth-sun_-a-new-history-of-the-aztecs-oxford-university-press-2019.pdf