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
Moctezuma was the ruler, or Tlatoani, of the Mexica people and their capital city Tenochtitlan. In Part 1 we plunge into the royal and spiritual life of Moctezuma and learn about some of the conflicts he had in his mind. And we learn how he came to power with a show of wealth and flash of military strength.
Part 1 Breakdown – Moctezuma’s physical appearance
Diaz describes him of about 40, good height, well proportioned, not dark but of usual Indian complexion. Black hair cut just over his ears, slight beard.Had a long, cheerful face and could express geniality and seriousness (Diaz 224).
Gomara describes him as “middling size” thin and like all Indians dark. Long hair, “six bristles” of facial hair, gives a long description of him and his eating habits (Gom 142).
Florentine Codex, Folio 87, from Leon – “He is a man middle age, not old, nor is he fat; he is slender and lean.” described to the Spanish at San Juan Ulua. “He is a mature man, slender rather than stout, or even thin. Not thin but lean, with a straight figure.”
Aguilar wrote, “He was, that king and lord, of medium height, delicate in body, large head and slightly turned noses, curly, quite cunning, shrewd and prudent, wise, expert, harsh in speech, very determined.”
Ixtlilxochitl – (280), medium stature, thin and very dark, with little beard.
Part 2 – Tenochtitlan
As the morning dawns we stroll through the streets of Tenochtitlan and the Tlatelolco Market to take in the rich array of foods and resources available. We see the life of a common Mexica man and we learn that it is the power of the Empire that keeps him so comfortable.
Part 3 – Politics of the Valley
In Part 3 we delve into the history of the Mexica and what led them to the apex of power in the valley of Mexico.
Part 4 – Blood Debt to the Gods
To the Mexica, and other groups that made up the Aztecs, sacrifice was a form of cosmic recycling and essential to keeping order in the universe and harmony with the gods.
Part 5 – Prayer and a Messenger from the Coast
With so many signs and spiritual unrest Moctezuma decides to put his soul at ease by attending a sacrifice, but a messenger from the coast brought world shaking news.
Episode 1 Credits
Written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps.
~ Music ~
Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy
Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery
Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com
Storm Ambience Early Morning Breakup, This Could All Be Gone Tomorrow, Sustained Light Breathe, The Gates Are Locked
~ Sound Effects ~
taikodrum by tarane468
jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme
thunderclap by dave-welsh
banshee-crying by aldebarancw
Barcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimlos
dog barking single by inspectorj
quetzales by laurent
hummingbird strafe by gezortenplotz
fire2 by pushtobreak
cranes by ayamahambho
thunder-clap-owb-ky by dave-welsh
All music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.org
Sound FX via FreeSound.org