Explorers in the New World

1
Explorers in the New World
2
1519
This is the story of a wandering tribe from
Northern Mexico who, through bravery, trickery,
cruelty and genius, became a great civilization
only to be defeated by invaders from a strange
world.
Cortez and the Aztecs
3
1519
Around 700 years ago ...... the Aztec peoples,
for some reason or other, left their homes in
Atzlan, somewhere in North West Mexico. They came
to the Valley of Mexico named Anahuac, led by
their chieftain, Tenoch. They were a poor, ragged
people who ate rats, snakes, and stole food.
4
1519
They were just too wild and nasty. So they were
driven from one place to another. Tenoch had a
vision ... Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, told
him to lead his people to a swampy island in the
middle of Lake Texcoco..
1519
1519
5
1519
Tenoch was told to look for an eagle perched on a
cactus, growing from a rock or cave and
surrounded by water. They were to build their
city there and thank Huitzilopochtli for his
brilliant idea with human sacrifices. The city
they built was called Tenochtitlán, the city of
Tenoch in 1325.
6
1519
The culture grew and prospered under the cruel
Aztec leaders until the Aztecs became the most
powerful and wealthy cultures of all times.
7
1519
1519
The Aztec Empire was immense, many of the people
ruled by the Aztecs resented the Aztec domination
because they had to pay such high tributes
(taxes) or else be tortured. Today the great
empire is little more than ruins.
8
Aztec Ruins in Mexico
1519
1519
Today there are only ruins left of the great
empire.
9
Cortés
Montezuma
Years later, in 1519, a Spanish explorer named
Cortés heard of the great wealth and sailed with
hundreds of his sailors to the area where the
Aztecs lived. Cortés realized that the wealth of
the Aztecs and planned to take it for himself .
. . . and Spain.
10
After many hard fought battles Cortés and his
Spanish sailors were able to defeat the Aztec
Indians. He honored Spain with great GOLD AND
GLORY. The king of Spain wanted more!
Cortez defeats the Aztecs
1519
11
Even though Cortés never traveled into Texas he
gained GOLD AND GLORY for Spain! He also gained
GOLD AND GLORY for himself! This was only the
beginning of the Spanish rule in the New World.
1519
12
(No Transcript)