Chapters 5-8 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 5, even though Motecuhzoma was doing all he could to keep the Spaniards satisfied, Cortes decided to march inland with his men. This chapter includes two accounts of the arrival of the Spaniards in Tlaxcala and Cholula, including the first battle. The first version, written by Sahagun informants says that the massacre was inspired by Tlaxcaltecas intrigue. It is written that some think the Cholultecas brought destruction upon themselves by not surrounding to Cortes. The also murdered the envoy that advised them to form an alliance with the Spaniards. The author notes that the second version might have been invented by the Tlaxcaltecas as an excuse for their part of the massacre. There is no corroboration for this viewpoint any of the other writings in "Historia" or "Cartas de Relation of Cortes."

Tlacochacalcatl (Chief of the House of...