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Hello and welcome to the Explorers Podcast. Hello and welcome to the Explorers Podcast.

Today is part three in our series on Spanish conquistador Ernan Cortez and the conquest of Mexico.

Last time we concluded with Cortez and his men, about 400 or so, along with 50 Semblon warriors, marching west. Cortez wanted to reach Tenoch Titeland

and meet the Aztec emperor, Montezuma.

Now let us note that Cortez had no intention of making this some sort of diplomatic visit.

He said he was there to trade and to get to know everyone, but he had conquest in his heart

and in his mind.

He sees Mexico as his for the taking. Up to this point things had gone pretty well for Cortez. The Spanish had been engaged in only one major battle, a fight that they had won handily. After that, they had forged an alliance with the Totonac people and established Veracruz, the first European settlement in New Spain.

However, things were not all puppies and roses for Cortez.

He was conducting his campaign without the authorization of Cuban Governor Diego Valisquez, the man who had

the official rights to settle and trade in Mexico.

This had made for some uncomfortable moments, as some men considered Cortez a rebel.

To counter this discord, Cortez had done a bold and remarkable thing.

He had burned his fleet, giving no one, including himself, a way back to Cuba.

He was essentially pushing all his chips onto the table.

It was conquer this land or die in the attempt. So far in our story we have seen Cortez as a bold and clever leader. He plays

rivals against one another ultimately to his advantage. In a lot of ways he's probably

come across as a wily and crafty guy, but one who is not afraid to take decisive and bold action when needed.

However, what we haven't really seen is the vicious and brutal side of Cortez. So be prepared because in today's

episode you will truly understand just how ruthless this guy can be and just so you

know it will be bloody. So let's get going. The Spanish proceeded west, departing from Veracruz in August of 1519.

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