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The Siege of Tenochtitlan's Water Supply: Cortés's Strategic Masterstroke
Season 1
Episode 42
Published 1 month ago
Description
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the critical role of water in the fall of Tenochtitlan. They discuss how Cortés cut off the city's freshwater from Chapultepec, the construction of brigantines to control Lake Texcoco, and the devastating impact of thirst and saltwater on the Mexica defenders. They also cover the role of indigenous allies, the capture of Cuauhtémoc, and the aftermath of the siege. Specific details include the Tlaxcalan engineers who built the brigantines, the Iztapalapa causeway battles, and the use of the acueducto de Chapultepec. The episode contrasts Cortés's siege tactics with the later siege of Cusco, drawing parallels to classical warfare.