The Broken SpearsThe Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico

What three factors contributed to the defeat of the Aztecs? Though there appear to be several factors involved in the defeat of the Aztecs, three stood out above the others: (1) superstition, (2) weapons and warring tactics, and (3) the introduction of new diseases.
Ten years prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, there were eight signs or omens that appeared to predict the downfall of civilization or the end of the world. Superstition, omens, magicians, signs, etc. were a major part of the Aztec religion and one can see that maybe there are signs all around us that can predict the future. The fourth omen “Fire streamed through the sky while the sun was still shining.” brought forth to my mind the images of the Spaniards swinging their swords while the morning sun shined on their steel blades. The fifth omen “The wind las...