I honestly just thought of leaving the lyrics to RATM’s “People of the Sun” as my review for this strange, hallucinatory story of the first meeting between two global empires. It’s a fictionalized account of Hernan Cortes’ arrival in the city of Tenochtitlan and meeting with Monteczuma. Without spoiling too much, I’ll say there is a critical change to the true story. It’s a picture of a moment in history that bears little resemblance to American history books but is no less worth reading.
Though they are allowed into one of the royal palaces of the Aztec, the would be conquerors know nothing of their own noble etiquette let alone that of their hosts. Cortes almost botches first contact with this new civilization. The Spanish guests find themselves lost in the maze like palace as they have an uncomfortable lunch with Princess Atotoxli, the wife and sister of Moctezuma which doesn’t help with the feeling of general unease settling on the explorers. For his part, Moctezuma is not sharing his plans for these vulgar visitors with those closest to him, choosing to spend his days using magic mushrooms in order to commune with his gods. As the first official meeting between cultures draws closer, both sides view it with anticipation and dread.
This book paints a vivid portrait of daily life of the Aztec ruling class which is equal parts beautiful and terrifying. These Spanish visitors seem both filthy and uncultured to their royal hosts. For their part, the Spanish are awed by the splendor and cleanliness of this strange new metropolis. This is a great selection if you are looking for a book in translation or if you just want to diversify your reading list.