Mexica: A History Podcast

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all the "Aztec rulers." In this episode Tenochtitlan's new rulers are aggressive and eager to expand the empire. Itzcoatl, and his ambitious nephew Tlacaelel, brought a new leadership style that would free the Mexica from their Tepanec overlords, and take that same fight out into the Valley of Mexico.Part 1 - Itzcoatl, the fourth ruler of Tenochtitlan.Part 2 - Moctezuma Ilhuicamina, the fifth ruler of Tenochtitlan.Part 3 - Axayacatl, the sixth ruler of Tenochtitlan.~ Music Credits ~Araucanian War Song by Down for the CountAway by MeydänDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comBreathe by Daniel BirchSustained Light by Daniel BirchThe Gates Are Locked by Daniel BirchIntro sample, Sir Niney's Rock by Niney the ObserverEpisode 11 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.

In this follow-up episode we explore the rulers of Tenochtitlan, or the tlatoque. From the first tlatoani, Acamapichtli, to the final traditional tlatoani, Cuauhtémoc, we'll explore all nine "Aztec rulers." In this episode Tenochtitlan emerges from the marshes of Lake Texcoco, the first three rulers find themselves subject to King Tezozomoc.Part 1 - Acamapichtli, the first ruler of Tenochtitlan.Part 2 - Huitzilihuitl, the second ruler of Tenochtitlan.Part 3 - Chimalpopoca, the third ruler of Tenochtitlan. ~ Music Credits ~Araucanian War Song by Down for the CountAway by MeydänDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comBreathe by Daniel BirchSustained Light by Daniel BirchEpisode 10 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.

In Episode 9, Cortes returns to the Valley of Mexico, bringing with him nearly a thousand refreshed Spanish soldiers, and tens of thousands of Tlaxcalan warriors. A brutal siege would grind the Mexica down until their ability to resist was done. This would be the end of Mexica power and culture in the valley.Part 1 - The March to TexcocoCortes returns to the Valley of Mexico and is welcomed by a young prince.Part 2 - The Players Are SetWith Cortes camped in Texcoco, backed by his Tlaxcala and Acolhua allies, and Cuauhtemoc and the remainder of the Mexica in Tenochtitlan - the sides were set.Part 3 - Siege of TenochtitlanCortes tightens his grip around the island of Tenochtitlan, squeezing the life out of the Mexica inside.Part 4 - Mexica Abandon TenochtitlanWith their forces depleted, their food gone, the Tenochca Mexica abandon Moctezuma's Palace, the Sacred Precinct and the rest of Tenochtitlan and head north to shelter with their Mexica neighbors in Tlatelolco.Part 5 - Cortes Gets RoutedFeeling eager to close out the siege, Cortes' men charged into a fatal mess, nearly costing Cortes his life.Part 6 - AmaxacNow down to their final sliver of land, their final people, the Mexica huddle in a place called Amaxac.Part 7 - The End of the MexicaThe remaining women, children and elderly were allowed to leave while the leadership is taken into Spanish custody, marking the end of Mexica power.Part 8 - The Valley After the MexicaCortes immediately began work on a new colonial city, burying Tenochtitlan beneath.Part 9 - Mexico TodayA brief discussion on my personal views of what Mexica is today, the legacy of the Mexica andother Indigenous people, and the concept of mestizo.Episode 9 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Away by MeydänSurreal Forest by MeydänFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comBreathe by Daniel BirchSustained Light by Daniel BirchFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryFuego de Mateo by Down for the CountGuitar Percussion by BangcorruptTaiko drum sequence for looping the sacrifice by Infinita08Intro coda acoutsic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy~ Sound Effects ~All sounds procured at freesound.com - Thank you to the creators below for their contributions.splashing footsteps1 by soundmaryfoley natural water jump by nox soundhorses by arnaud coutanderwalk on dirt road by mikeypmeCanadian horse running by vero-marengerehorse galloping by max headroomhorse snort by bruno auzethorses whinnying by leandiviljoenarrow cutting through the air by bruno auzetancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkistoambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzenthe rain falls against the parasol by stragetforest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfoftheskywater-lapping by ceivh93rain by idomusicssoft wind by florianreicheltfire 2 by pushtobreakhorse whinny by inspectorjcoopers hawk by blimp66walking2-gravel by tec-studiolost dream intro by unknown userMexico City street vendor with street sounds by kdceduk8taikodrum-41-hz by tarane468panther by xhwzq6gvpain-schwester by repdac3walla Cuban men yell bball1 by kylesthree cannon shots by originalmajasailing boat bow wave close perspective by pfannkuchnwood chopping chopping hard wood with metal axe by guntherdorksentimber tree falling by matt beer

In Episode 8, Cortes wears out his welcome in Tenochtitlan and sacrifices Moctezuma in a final attempt at saving his ambition: the greatest city in the New World. The Noche Triste, among the most iconic nights in Mexican history, plays out as the Spanish-Tlaxcala army flees the city.Part 1 - Cortes Returns to TenochtitlanFollowing the Toxcatl Massacre, which decapitated the Mexica nobility in Cortes' absence, he returns to take command of a bad situation. Part 2 - Death of MoctezumaHoled up and pinned down in Axayactl's palace, Moctezuma is killed.Part 3 - Noche TristeOn the most famous evening of the entire Conquest, Cortes and his army try to sneak out of Tenochtitlan. A brutal battle erupts as the Spanish flee on the causeway.Part 4 - Battle of OtumbaPursued for days into the desert, Cortes decides to turn and face the pursuing Mexica army.Part 5 - Struggle in TenochtitlanThe challenges facing the Mexica become apparent once the Spanish are gone. And a plague strikes.Part 6 - Cortes ReturnsAfter gathering new forces and healing, Cortes brings a refreshed army to finish the Mexica.Episode 8 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Araucanian war song by downforthecountAway by MeydänFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comBreatheSustained LightThe Gates Are LockedThis Could All Be Gone TomorrowFourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery~ Sound Effects ~jungle tropical birds and insects by mikevpmewater lapping by celch93splashing footsteps1 by soundmaryfoley natural water jump by nox soundhorses by arnaud coutanderwalk on dirt road by mikeypmehorse snort by bruno auzethorses whinnying by leandiviljoenarrow cutting through the air by bruno auzetancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkistoambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzenthe rain falls against the parasol by stragetstones falling by iwanPlaysorest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfoftheskywater-lapping by ceivh93rain by idomusicsfire 2 by pushtobreakhorse whinny by inspectorjwalking2-gravel by tec-studio

In Episode 7, Cortes enters the Mexica capital and is welcomed. But things quickly go bad and violence erupts.Part 1 - Entering TenochtitlanCortes, his Spanish soldiers and 4 or 5 thousand Tlaxcalan warriors enter Tenochtitlan along the causeway.Part 2 - Meeting MoctezumaMoctezuma emerges from the crowd to welcome Cortes to Tenochtitlan.Part 3 - Guests in the CapitalThe Spanish are welcomed and granted use of the Palace of Axayacatl, the former Tlatoani.Part 4 - The Hostage MoctezumaIn one of history's boldest moves, Cortes takes Moctezuma hostage in his own capital and begins to manipulate the empire.Part 5 - Death of CualpopocaThe indigenous chief of nautla, Cualpopoca is brought to Tenochtitlan for his own execution as a manipulation to undercut Moctezuma's sincerity.Part 6 - Narvaez Arrives on the CoastA Spanish captain arrives to reign in Cortes, who will not go so easy.Part 7 - Festival of ToxcatlPedro de ALvarado loses control of the capital and caves into his fears, attacking the heart of Mexica nobility.Episode 7 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Fuego de Mateo by downforthecountAway by MeydänSurreal Forrest by MeydänDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comBreatheSustained LightThe Gates Are Lockedguitar percussion by bangcorruptFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryInfinite Taiko Drum Sequence by Infinita08~ Sound Effects ~jungle tropical birds and insects by mikevpmerumble loop by unfahorses by arnaud coutanderwalk on dirt road by mikeypmehorse snort by bruno auzethorses whinnying by leandiviljoenancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkistostones falling by iwanPlaysorest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfoftheskywater-lapping by ceivh93soft wind by florianreicheltfire 2 by pushtobreakhorse whinny by inspectorjcoopers hawk by blimp66walking2-gravel by tec-studio

In Episode 6, Cortes continues his march toward Tenochtitlan with a fateful and violent stop in Cholula.Part 1 - CholulaCortes and his 400 Spanish soldiers enter Cholula while the nearly 10,000-strong Tlaxcala and Totonac armies wait outside the city. Here they commit one of the worst atrocities ever committed in the Conquest of the New World.Part 2 - Word of the Destruction of CholulaWord of the incomprehensible destruction of Cholula spreads, and with it; fear.Part 3 - Up the VolcanoDiego de Ordaz heads the volcano Popocatepetl and gets the first glimpse of Tenochtitlan and Lake Texcoco.Part 4 - Drunk Men Speak TruthMexica representatives are intercepted by a drunk man who blasts them with his truthful words.Part 5 - Departing CholulaThe Cortes Expedition sets out for Tenochtitlan on the final leg of the journey.Part 6 - ChalcoThe Expedition arrives in the Chalco region, and moves to Moctezuma's doorstep, just two miles from Tenochtitlan.Episode 6 CreditsWritten, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Away by MeydänSurreal Forrest by Meydänguitar percussion by bangcorruptDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comSustained LightBreatheThe Gates Are Lockedintro by lost dreamBountiful by Podington Bear~ Sound Effects ~rumble loop by unfahorses by arnaud coutanderwalk on dirt road by mikeypmehorse snort by bruno auzethorses whinnying by leandiviljoenancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkistostones falling by iwanPlaysorest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfoftheskywater-lapping by ceivh93soft wind by florianreicheltfire 2 by pushtobreakhorse whinny by inspectorjcoopers hawk by blimp66walking2-gravel by tec-studio

In Episode 5, Cortes marched inland toward Tenochtitlan and passes through difficult terrain and battles on his way to finding a new and powerful ally.Part 1 - Departing CempoalaCortes and his men depart the Totonac town of Cempoala and head into the lush highlands of the Sierra Madre.Part 2 - Deserts, Valleys and VolcanoesThe Spanish expedition reaches the desert highlands and the men suffer from hypothermia, dehydration and hunger. Part 3 - The Fight to TlaxcalaSeveral local people, including the Otomi, attack the Spanish.Part 4 - New Allies in TlaxcalaCortes makes a powerful new ally.Part 5 - Staying in TlaxcalaThe Spanish stay in Tlaxcala for two weeks, recuperating, eating and learning of another Aztec enemy in the four cities of the Tlaxcala Federation.Episode 5 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin SosnitskiyFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comEarly Morning BreakupSustained LightThe Gates Are LockedAway by Meydänintro by lost dream ~ Sound Effects ~jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypmemarching by webbfilmsukwalk on dirt road by mikeypmemercado 05 by dobroidetimber tree falling by matt_beerbig bad dogs 5 by robinhood76horse whinny by inspectorjcanadian horse running by vero marengerehorses whinnying by leandiviljoenhorse snort by bruno auzetsoft wind by florianreicheltwalk on dirt road by laurentarmy marching by craigsmithcold breeze ambiance by siyamahlobocampfire sound by sterckxsforest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfofthesky

In Episode 4, Cortes digs in and settles on the coast. He encounters a new people, the Totonacs, and discovers their conflict with the Aztec Triple Alliance.Part 1 – The TotonacsCortes learns of the Totonacs, who invite him to meet Xicomecoatl, leader of the town of Cempoala. Cortes learns of their subjugation by the Aztecs, and the anger they hold for Moctezuma.Part 2 – CempoalaCortes passes through Cempoala on his way North. The Spaniards are stunned by the beauty of Cempoala. They stay a few days before moving on.Part 3 – QuiahuitzlanHaving spotted a mountain town from a coastal exploration, Cortes marches for the town, called Quiahuitzlan.Part 4 – Worry in the CapitalWith Cortes suddenly established on the coast and allied with their Totonac subjects, the Lords of th Triple Alliance began to feel the severity of these foreigners intent.Part 5 – Building of Villa RicaUnder the command of the new Chief Justice and Commander Cortes the foundations of the town of Villa Rica de la Veracruz were laid.Part 6 - Loyalty to the TotonacsCortes strikes a deal with the Totonacs to support them in independence from the Triple Alliance in exchange for indigenous support of food, labor and intelligence.Part 7 - Sinking Ships and Shipping TrafficThe most legendary sub-plot of the "Conquest of Mexico" is Cortes sinking his ships. See below, Episode 4 Breakdown - Sinking Ships, for more historic outtakes for this famous incident.Part 8 - GarayA rival arrives off the coast and a confrontation occurs as Cortes seizes several men from the Garay Expedition, out of Jamaica.Episode 4 CreditsWritten, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin SosnitskiyFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comEarly Morning BreakupSustained LightThe Gates Are LockedMeydän, https://meydan.bandcamp.com/Away Surreal Forrestintro by lost dream guitar percussion by bangcorrupt ~ Sound Effects ~jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypmemarching by webbfilmsukwalk on dirt road by mikeypmewater-lapping by ceivh93mercado 05 by dobroidetimber tree falling by matt_beerbig bad dogs 5 by robinhood76horse whinny by inspectorjocean waves relaxing waves tranquil geo by davidgtr1canadian horse running by vero marengerehorses whinnying by leandiviljoenhorse snort by bruno auzetfoley natural water jump mono by nox-soundSplashing footsteps by soundmary

Episode Three – Along the CoastCortes departs Maya country and heads north, to Triple Alliance (Aztec) territory. A messenger spots the ships, and this begins a year long political dance between Moctezuma and Cortes. Despite Moctezuma's attempts to curtail the Spanish push inland, Cortes discovers divides among the people.Part 1 – Closing out Business in PotonchanFollowing his victory at the Battle of Cintla, Cortes spent two weeks in the regional capital Potonchan, which he had named Santa Maria de la Victoria. In that time he prepared to sail north to San Juan de Ulua, where Captain Grijalva had met with Aztec representatives the year before.Part 2 – Aztec TerritoryCortes sails north from Maya country to San Juan de Ulua where the Aztec sentries are on guard for another Spanish expedition. The Aztec representatives Tentlil and Cuitlalpitoc are sent to greet the new arrivals and the beginning of a months-long negotiation between the Mexica and the Spanish begins.Part 3 – Marina Reveals HerselfA slave girl given to Cortes by the Maya chief Tabscoob, reveals a hidden skill: her ability to speak both Nahuatl and Maya. Her given name, Malintzin, is changed to the Christianized Marina and she takes her place at the side of Cortes for the next two years as his chief translator, advisor and eventually the mother of his child.Part 4 – Report to MoctezumaTentlil meets with Cortes in the dunes and offers the Spanish supplies. An Aztec messenger is sent to Tenochtitlan with the report of the meeting.Part 5 – The Great TreasureCommissioned the year before for Grijalva, the legendary Great Treasure of Moctezuma is sent to Cortes on the coast. This treasure would be sent on to Spain as property of Charles V. Included in this original shipment it is believed, was the now famous green feathered headdress now housed in Vienna.Part 6 – Discontent and Political ManeuveringHunger, mosquitoes and boredom had eaten at morale and Cortes soon found a group of men in revolt. He would emerge from the political strife as the Chief Justice and Commanding General of the new town of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz.Episode 3 Breakdown – The Great Treasure of MoctezumaOne of the most famous parts of the “Conquest of Mexico” is the treasure sent by Moctezuma to Cortes while he was on the coast. Most of the European accounts, and some of the codices, mention the treasure and the golden sun disc and the silver moon disc.  Visit the Episode webpage to read more.

Cortés, Extremadura and the New World.In Episode 2, we explore Extremadura Spain, home of some of the most vicious conquistadors where Cortes was raised. The narrative follows Cortes from his childhood in the small town of Medellin to his first lessons in genocide in Cuba through the climactic battles with the Maya.Part 1 – Extremadura, Home of ConquistadorsPart 2 – Life in the IndiesPart 3 – TabascoPart 4 – Taking of PotonchanPart 5 – Battle of CintlaEpisode 2 CreditsWritten, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin SosnitskiyFuego de Mateo by downforthecountAraucanian war song by downforthecountguitar percussion by bangcorruptDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comSustained LightThe Gates Are Lockedtaiko drum sequence for looping the sacrifice by infinita08intro by lost dream ~ Sound Effects ~water-lapping by ceivh93Barcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimloshorses muffled hooves on dirt by craigsmith_rjungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypmecanoe in flooded forest by reinsambaambiance night wildlife by inspectorjcampfire sound by sterckxsthree cannon shots by originalmajatimber tree falling by matt_beerambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzenpain schwester by repdac3dog barking single by inspectorjmusket 2 shots by kmarz1steps park by hannagreenarrow cutting through the air by bruno auzetwalla cuban men yell bball1 natural by kyleshorse galloping by max headroommercado 05 by dobroidehorse snort by bruno auzethorses jingle jangle by craigsmith_rcanadian horse running by vero marengereAll music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.orgSound FX via www.FreeSound.org

Episode 1 – Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico.In Episode 1, we meet the Emperor Moctezuma and learn about some of his habits and beliefs. The Tlatelolco Market comes to life and we walk the streets of Tenochtitlan.Part 1 – Tlatoani MoctezumaPart 2 – TenochtitlanPart 3 – Politics of the ValleyPart 4 – Blood Debt to the GodsPart 5 – Prayer and a Messenger from the CoastEpisode 1 CreditsResearched, written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps.~ Music ~Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin SosnitskiyFourth Imaginary City by cryptic sceneryDaniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.comStorm AmbienceEarly Morning BreakupThis Could All Be Gone TomorrowSustained LightBreatheThe Gates Are Locked~ Sound Effects ~taikodrum by tarane468jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypmethunderclap by dave-welshbanshee-crying by aldebarancwBarcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimlosdog barking single by inspectorjquetzales by laurenthummingbird strafe by gezortenplotzbanshee-crying by aldebarancwfire2 by pushtobreakcranes by ayamahambhothunder-clap-owb-ky by dave-welshAll music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.orgSound FX via FreeSound.org

Mexica: A History Podcast is an 8-episode, audio narrative about Moctezuma, the Aztec Triple Alliance and the Conquest of Mexico. Historically sourced (from both Indigenous sources and first hand European accounts) with the goal of bringing the rich sights, scents and sounds of the Mexica world to the listener. This podcast takes the listener through the Spanish defeat of Moctezuma, his Mexica people and his Aztec allies in a richly sensual narrative.