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The Siege of Tenochtitlan: Cortés's 93-Day War of Attrition
Description
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the brutal 93-day siege of Tenochtitlan in 1521, a turning point in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. They explore the tactical innovations Cortés employed after his defeat on the Noche Triste, including the construction of thirteen brigantines to control Lake Texcoco. The episode details the crucial role of Tlaxcalan allies, who provided tens of thousands of warriors and logistical support. Lucas explains the devastating impact of smallpox on the Mexica defenders, who fought under the young emperor Cuauhtémoc. The discussion covers the systematic destruction of the city's aqueduct from Chapultepec, the use of cannons and crossbows, and the final desperate defense in Tlatelolco. The hosts also examine controversial aspects: Cortés's use of indigenous allies as front-line troops, the mass starvation and disease that decimated the besieged population, and the ambiguous fate of Cuauhtémoc. Drawing on accounts from Bernal Díaz del Castillo and the Florentine Codex, this episode offers a granular look at the campaign that ended the Mexica empire.