Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos en las islas y tierra firme del mar océano, Tomo V

This volume is part of the monumental Historia General de los Hechos de los Castellanos en las Islas y Tierra Firme del Mar Océano, a foundational work for early Spanish-American history. The author, Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, served as the Chief Chronicler of the Indies (Cronista Mayor) for the Spanish Crown, commissioning him to document the Spanish presence in the New World. Volume V, corresponding to the Década Segunda, meticulously chronicles the critical years of 1519 and 1520. It focuses heavily on the initial military campaigns of Hernán Cortés in New Spain, including the formation of Spanish alliances with native polities like the Totonacs of Cempoala and the start of hostilities with the Aztec Empire under Moctezuma II. The text describes the confusion and fear among the indigenous populations regarding the arrival of the Spaniards (whom they sometimes referred to as "Teules" or "Gods") and details pivotal moments such as the founding of Villa Rica de la Vera-Cruz and the initial conflicts leading up to the downfall of the Aztec capital. The 1936 edition, published by the Royal Academy of History, demonstrates the enduring scholarly value of Herrera's original work as a primary source detailing the early colonial period. Date Created: Originally published in the early 17th century (approx. 1601–1615); this specific scholarly edition was published in Madrid in 1936.

The book is considered valuable. It is advised that researchers use digital copy rather than physical books for preservation purposes.

Language Translation (Spanish to English): The document transitions from the arrival of the Spaniards in New Spain to the intense conflicts and diplomatic maneuvers between Cortés and Moctezuma. Key chapters describe the death of Moctezuma, the election of Cuauhtémoc as the final Aztec king, and the technical preparations for the final siege of Mexico, including the construction of thirteen brigantines (ships) in Tlaxcala to assault the island city.

APA Citation:

Herrera y Tordesillas, A. de. (1936). Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos en las islas i tierra firme del mar oceano (A. Ballesteros-Beretta, Ed.; Tomo V). Academia de la Historia.. Herrera y Tordesillas, A. de. (1936). Historia general de los hechos de los castellanos en las islas y tierrafirme del mar océano (Vol. 5; A. Ballesteros-Beretta, Ed.). Academia de la Historia. (Original work published 1601–1615)