1. Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest B. Scott Tucker

2. Acknowledgements The number 7 has deep roots and symbolic significance in the history of the Americas, both Native American and Spanish. The origin myth of the Mexica included a tale of descent from 7 lineages, who emerged from 7 caves ina mythical location in the Mexican north. The medieval law code that was the basis of Spanish law during the conquest period was called Las SietePartidas(The 7 Items). There was rumored to be 7 cities of gold in Cibola.

3. Las SietePartidas (The 7 Items)Chapter 1 1.) The first aspect of Conquest procedure was the use of legalistic measures to lend a veneer of validity to an expedition. 2.) The appeal to higher authority, typically and ideally the king himself. 3.) The search for precious metals. 4.) Need to acquire native allies. 5.) Acquisition of an Interpreter. 6.) The use of display violence, or the theatrical use of violence. 7.)The public seizure of a native ruler.

4. Invisible WarriorsChapter 3 The “invisible warriors” of this myth took an additional form, that of Africans, free and enslaved, who accompanied Spanish invaders and in later campaigns equaled or exceeded them in number. Cortes was successful as well at exploiting native rivalries and divisions and gaining large number of allies. In 1510 the king of Spain authorized the first large shipment of African Slaves 250- destined for Hispaniola. Black slaves were originally brought for labor, but most functioned as personal auxiliaries. For the Conquistadors they were servants who were armed; by fighting and surviving they usually earned their freedom and became conquistadors in their own right.

5. Epilogue: Cuauhtemoc’s Betrayal Cuauhtemoc, surviving Aztec emperor (Tenochtitlan) and now a puppet ruler under permanent guard. Was captured and accompanied Cortes on his expedition to prevent revolt at Aztec capitol. The “Foreigners”stopped outside Itzamkanac. Uninvited guests were not welcome. Strain on local resources. Upon their departure the body of Cuauhtemoc was found headless, hanging by his feet from a tree. The death of the Aztec emperor has survived in sources that tell the story from 4 different sources.

6. Epilogue: Cuauhtemoc’s Betrayal Cortes and Gomara portray similar story of a discovered plot by Cuauhtemoc and other native rulers planned to kill Cortes and the the rest of the Spanish, and recapture the empire. Bernal Diaz (chronicler of the Conquest) finds the actions of the Spaniards embarrassing. Thought the punishment to be unwarranted. Nahua nobleman, Ixtlilxochitl, ruler of the Texcoco who was brought along on the expedition, and one of the lords hanged. Story based on oral traditions of the Texcoco. Mactun Maya’s own account, written in Chontal Maya