The Aztecs: Unscrupulous, Bloodthirsty

Traditional descriptions of the Aztec people portray them as an unscrupulous, bloodthirsty terrible group of warriors that sought to pillage neighboring civilizations and stir up strife with those whom they encountered in their conquest of land. Indeed, “They had a reputation for making trouble by kidnapping women from nearby communities and seizing land already cultivated by others” (Traditions & Encounters, 309). Although the Aztecs were vicious and known to be willing to use any means necessary to build up their empire and add to the land and other resources available for the purpose of sacrifice to the gods that they worshiped, there is also a more woeful, deity-driven side to them that is described in the book Broken Spears. The

He has come back! He will come here, to the place of his throne and canopy, for that is what he promised when he departed!” (Broken Spears, 23). Of course, seeing the arrival of the Spaniards as the reappearance of a god meant that Montezuma and his people would be submissive and willing to do anything to appease the god in order to receive their blessing. Sadly, their kindness in the form of gold and other treasures was cruelly rejected by the Spaniards, who not only take what they offer, but they also brutally slaughter many of the Aztecs in their quest of conquering the Aztec empire. Interestingly throughout all of the conflict the Aztecs have with the Spaniards, it appears that they are largely fearful of the Spaniards and only want to make peace with them since they believe they are to be linked to their religion: we will be judged and punished. And however it may be, and whenever it may be, we can do nothing but wait.” (Broken Spears, 55). The Aztecs only fought back due to the necessity of keeping their empire intact and as revenge for the death of Montezuma. This contrasts sharply with the typical cruel image that the Aztecs are given, and is quite ironic because the Aztecs are the ones being conquered in this case. Near the end of the book, a