Common questions

What happened in the Cholula massacre?

What happened in the Cholula massacre?

In October 1519, Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes assembled the nobles of the Aztec city of Cholula in one of the city courtyards, where Cortes accused them of treachery. Within hours, thousands of inhabitants of Cholula, including most of the local nobility, were dead in the streets.

Why did the Cholula massacre happen?

In 1519, the Tlaxcalans lead Cortés and his troops to Cholula to facilitate an act of retribution against the city for its betrayal. Blocking the exits of Cholula’s great plaza, the conquistadors proceeded to massacre the unarmed crowd, purportedly leaving no survivors.

Where was the massacre of Cholula?

18, 1519 massacre of thousands of indigenous people at the ceremonial center of Cholula, just east of Mexico City.

How many people died in the Cholula massacre?

Cholula massacre – Matanza de Cholula The result was the death of 5,000 or 6,000 Cholultecas, mostly unarmed civilians, in a period of no more than six hours.

What did Montezuma give Cortés?

On 8 November 1519, Moctezuma met Cortés on the causeway leading into Tenochtitlán and the two leaders exchanged gifts. Moctezuma gave Cortés the gift of an Aztec calendar, one disc of crafted gold and another of silver.

What happened between Moctezuma and Cortés?

While Aztec emperor, Montezuma had a famous confrontation with Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Cortés, however, took Montezuma prisoner, hoping to prevent an Aztec attack. Instead, the Aztecs turned on Montezuma, who later died, and Cortés’s forces were nearly destroyed.

Who ordered the massacre at Cholula?

One of the key events in the Conquest was the Cholula massacre when, according to a variety of historical accounts, Spanish conquistadores under the command of Hernán Cortés allegedly assembled indigenous nobles in the ceremonial plaza of Cholula and then attacked, killing thousands.

Who built the Cholula Pyramid?

The Aztecs believed that Xelhua, one of the giants from their mythology, had constructed the pyramid of Cholula. Upon the arrival of Cortés, Cholula was Mexico’s second-largest city, with a population of up to 100,000 by some estimates.

Why did Montezuma give Cortés the throne of the Aztec empire?

Moctezuma was aware of this and sent gifts to the Spaniards, probably in order to show his superiority to the Spaniards and Tlaxcalteca.

What did Montezuma give Cortés why did he give him this?

When he heard of Cortés’s arrival Montezuma refused to meet with the Spaniards, instead sending gifts, offering the tribute that frequently resolved disputes in Mesoamerican society.

How did Cortés treat Montezuma?

Why did Montezuma give Cortés and his men gold?

The Noche Triste marked the end of conquistador Hernán Cortés’ first attempt to conquer Tenochtitlán. Cortés then took Moctezuma prisoner and ordered his treasures melted into gold bars for easier transport.

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Ruth Doyle