In Episode 3 we follow Cortes north to Aztec territory. The meeting between Cortes and the Aztec ambassador Tentlil would begin a months-long negotiation between the two groups. Cortes and Moctezuma would, through messengers and diplomats, carry out a delicate political dance. Cortes also manages to solidify his leadership and commitment to exploring the mainland, despite resistance from his own men.
Part 1 – Closing out Business in Potonchan
Following his victory at the Battle of Cintla, Cortes spent two weeks in the regional capital Potonchan, which he had named Santa Maria de la Victoria. In that time he prepared to sail north to San Juan de Ulua, where Captrain Grijalva had met with Aztec representatives the year before.
Part 2 – Aztec Territory
Cortes sails north from Maya country to San Juan de Ulua where the Aztec sentries are on guard for another Spanish expedition. The Aztec representatives Tentlil and Cuitlalpitoc are sent to greet the new arrivals and the beginning of a months-long negotiation between the Mexica and the Spanish begins.
Part 3 – Marina Reveals Herself
A slave girl given to Cortes by the Maya chief Tabscoob, reveals a hidden skill: her ability to speak both Nahuatl and Maya. Her given name, Malintzin, is changed to the Christianized Marina and she takes her place at the side of Cortes for the next two years as his chief translator, advisor and eventually the mother of his child.
Part 4 – Report to Moctezuma
Tentlil meets with Cortes in the dunes and offers the Spanish supplies. An Aztec messenger is sent to Tenochtitlan with the report of the meeting.
Part 5 – The Great Treasure
Commissioned the year before for Grijalva, the legendary Great Treasure of Moctezuma is sent to Cortes on the coast. This treasure would be sent on to Spain as property of Charles V. Included in this original shipment it is believed, was the now famous green feathered headdress now housed in Vienna.
Part 6 – Discontent and Political Maneuvering
Hunger, mosquitoes and boredom had eaten at morale and Cortes soon found a group of men in revolt. He would emerge from the political strife as the Chief Justice and Commanding General of the new town of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz.
Episode 3 Breakdown – The Great Treasure of Moctezuma
One of the most famous parts of the “Conquest of Mexico” is the treasure sent by Moctezuma to Cortes while he was on the coast. Most of the European accounts, and some of the codices, mention the treasure and the golden sun disc and the silver moon disc. A few accounts even offer an inventory of items. In some cases the exchange happens on board Cortes’ ship, while in others it happens on the beach. For my narrative I chose the beach. See detailed lists from other sources, read the blog.
- Gomara – Teudlle returned after 7 or 8 days with many gifts including the sun disc. The answer was No, Cortés could not visit him, but he would see that they were supplied (Gom 60). Cortés would not accept this and urged another message to Moctezuma to reconsider. Teudilli promised Cortés not to worry about supplies, and that the message would be sent.
- Diaz – Tendile arrives with 100 porters and Quintalbor, a captain chosen for his resemblance to Cortés, arrives with gifts (Sun Disc, Moon Dish, helmet of gold) from Moctezuma and a message that a meeting was not possible. Cortés urged them back with the same request and meager gifts. Cortés sends men in two ships under Montejo North along the coast. (Diaz p. 92-95)
- Florentine Codex – The five men boarded the ship and dressed Cortés in the gift armor of gold and turquoise. Cortés then has the men bound and fires the cannons, then he gives them wine and food. He then seems to challenge them to a fight. They end up leaving with great haste. (Leon 26)
- Chronicle – Gives only a brief sentence on a necklace given to Cortes (Chron 510). Tlillancalqui arrived, with a bunch of porters and food, and saw the force disembarked on the beach. Talks to Marina, says he’s there to provide them food and service. Then he leaves.
- A. de Tapia – Mentions a gift and the two discs.
Episode 3 Credits
Written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps.
~ Music ~
Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy
Araucanian war song by downforthecount
guitar percussion by bangcorrupt
Away by Meydan
Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com
Sustained Light
The Gates Are Locked
~ Sound Effects ~
water-lapping by ceivh93
Barcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimlos
horses muffled hooves on dirt by craigsmith_r
jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme
canoe in flooded forest by reinsamba
ambiance night wildlife by inspectorj
campfire sound by sterckxs
three cannon shots by originalmaja
timber tree falling by matt_beer
ambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzen
pain schwester by repdac3
dog barking single by inspectorj
musket 2 shots by kmarz1
steps park by hannagreen
arrow cutting through the air by bruno auzet
walla cuban men yell bball1 natural by kyles
horse galloping by max headroom
mercado 05 by dobroide
horse snort by bruno auzet
horses jingle jangle by craigsmith_r
canadian horse running by vero marengere
All music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.org
Sound FX via www.FreeSound.org