The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) / Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

32474

Title

The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) / Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Written by a primary eyewitness, these memoirs offer an unvarnished account of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Bernal Díaz del Castillo details the discovery of the New World, the fall of Tenochtitlan, and the complex alliances and betrayals that defined the era, presenting a narrative grounded in soldierly honesty and vivid detail.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo*, the author provides a firsthand, unvarnished account of the Spanish conquest of New Spain. Written by a participant who fought in over a hundred battles, the narrative emphasizes collective effort rather than attributing success solely to Hernando Cortés. The memoir begins with Diaz's departure from Castile and the early, perilous explorations along the coasts of Yucatán and Florida. Upon reaching Mexico, the text details the political intrigue involving Governor Diego Velázquez, who attempted to recall Cortés, and the subsequent secret departure of the expedition to continue the conquest. The narrative chronicles the diplomatic maneuvers with Motecusuma, the Aztec emperor, and the collection of immense tribute. Diaz offers graphic descriptions of the Aztec empire's wealth, noting that the gold presented by Motecusuma alone was valued at over 600,000 pesos. He describes the brutal suppression of the Cholula uprising and the strategic retreat from Mexico City following the betrayal by Alvarado, known as the 'Night of Sorrows.' During this desperate night march to Tlascalla, the troops suffered from extreme hunger, with some soldiers forced to eat raw meat or even the liver of their fallen comrades. The account details the grueling siege of Tlascalla, the eventual alliance with the Tlascallans, and the triumphant return to Mexico City. Diaz provides vivid imagery of battles, the suffering of the soldiers, and the stark cultural differences between the Spanish and indigenous peoples. He highlights the role of priests like Father Olmedo, who endured hardships to promote the Catholic faith, and contrasts the Spanish military discipline with the abominations practiced by some native groups. The memoir concludes with the founding of Spanish cities and the establishment of peace, offering a singular, authentic perspective on one of history's most pivotal events, written by an honest soldier who sought to correct the exaggerations of other historians.

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Categories

• Adventure
• History