500 Men vs an Empire: Hernán Cortés and the Conquest of Mexico | Part 4 | Ancient to Recent | Episode 60

The conquest reaches its devastating conclusion.

As Hernán Cortés launches his final assault on Tenochtitlan, one of the greatest cities on earth becomes the scene of one of history's most brutal sieges.

Thirteen brigantines dominate the waters of Lake Texcoco, while tens of thousands of Spanish and indigenous allies advance along the great causeways. Street by street, canal by canal, the fate of the Mexica Empire hangs in the balance.

This episode explores the final months of the siege of Tenochtitlan, where starvation, disease and relentless warfare reduce a magnificent civilisation to ruins.

Despite overwhelming odds, Emperor Cuauhtémoc and the Mexica fight with extraordinary courage, refusing every offer of surrender as the city is systematically destroyed around them.

But the story does not end with military victory.

Following the fall of Tenochtitlan, we examine how New Spain was built upon its ashes.

As missionaries sought to convert millions to Christianity, indigenous communities adapted, resisted and reshaped the new colonial world in ways that continue to influence Mexico today.

We also follow Hernán Cortés after his greatest triumph, as political rivals, royal officials and the Spanish Crown gradually stripped the conqueror of the power he had fought so hard to obtain.

Was the conquest truly won by 500 Spaniards alone?

How much did indigenous allies determine the outcome of the war?

And what lasting legacy did the fall of the Mexica Empire leave for Mexico, Spain and the modern world?

Join Joseph Parkinson as Ancient to Recent concludes the extraordinary story of Hernán Cortés and the conquest of Mexico.

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