Alvarado Massacre

A detailed Summary of Alvarado Massacre

During the year 1520 Hernando Cortes led a massive expedition that conquered the lands of "Mexico." He along with many famous figures like Dona Maria, Bernal Diaz de Castillo, and Pedro de Alvarado helped Cortes gain control of the indigenous land. Even though there are many key figures, and key sources that helped Cortes colonize Indian Territory one major battle that assisted him was the Alvarado Massacre of 1520. While historian Bernal Diaz del Castillo in "The Conquest of New Spain," and Franciscan Fray Bernardino Sahagun in "The Conquest of New Spain, Revision" speculate that Pedro de Alvarado was the cause for the carnage, but Dominican Fray Diego Duran in "History of the Indies of New Spain," accuses Hernando Cortes for the bloodbath. Although there are opposing views it remains clear that Hernando Cortes was not present during the massacre but that his Captain, Pedro de Alvarado was present concluding that he was the key person responsible for the bloodbath.

From the accounts of Bernal Diaz de Castillo Pedro de Alvarado was the man responsible for the attack on the Indian village in Mexico. Upon hearing that there were ships headed toward Cortes and his followers, Cortes left to greet the men leaving Alvarado in char

While Duran writes, "Cortes, instigated by Alvarado, ordered ten soldiers to be placed at each of the four gates of the courtyard so that no one could escape," (1). Even though the authors of the three books use a variety of methods to theorize that Alvarado was the culprit in the battle they do not realize just by mentioning his name in their work holds accountable for the slayings.

Translated by Howard F. Cline, edited by Sarah Cline. University of Utah

The day for the festivities having arrived, some eight or ten thousand men of the highest order and purest lineage appeared, wearing all their finery as we have said, and formed a great circle in the temple courtyard. While they were dancing, all with contentment and pleasure, Cortes, instigated by Alvarado, ordered ten soldiers to be placed at each of the four gates of the courtyard so that no one could escape. He sent ten others to stand next to those who were beating drums where the most important lords had gathered. The soldiers were told to kill the drummers and after them all those who surrounded them (2).

Cohen, J.M. The Conquest Of New Spain Introduction. NewYork: Penguin

While Duran accuses Cortes for the battle Sahgun writes that Cortes was not present during the attack. Sahgun document reads

When the great courtyard of the idol, Huitzilopochtli, god of the Mexicans, was full of nobles, priests, and soldiers, and throngs of other people, intent upon the idolatrous songs to that idol, whom they were honoring, the Spaniards suddenly poured forth ready for combat and blocked the exits of the courtyard so that no one could escape. Then they entered with their weapons and ranged themselves all along the inner walls of the courtyard. (1)

How hatred and war between the Spaniards and the Mexicans broke out in the absence of Captain Don Hernando Cortes, according to the Spaniards' Account. Seeing themselves hotly pursued by the Mexicans, the Spaniards entered the royal houses and fortified and barricaded themselves as best they could to keep the Indians out. From inside they began to defend themselves, firing off crossbows, harquebuses, and cannon, and even aiming stones from the rooftop to drive off the Indians struggling to break down the wall and force their way in, (2).

Press, 1989:76-80. Selection introduction by Sarah Cline.

The two men offered two different perspectives but their main motivation were to accuse the Spaniards or to accuse the Indians for the revolt in order to justify their significance in the religious sphere.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Diego Duran, Sahagun's Duran's, Hernando Cortes, Cortes Pedro's, JM Cohen, Mexicans Spaniards, Del Castillo, Castillo Pedro, Castillo Cortes, Pedro Mexicans, pedro de, de alvarado, pedro de alvarado, bernal diaz, hernando cortes, diego duran, conquest spain, alvarado massacre, bernal diaz del, fray diego, fray bernardino, del castillo, diaz del castillo, fray diego duran, dominican fray diego,

Approximate Word count = 2299
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History