Smallpox was Cortés's unintended ally against the Aztecs
Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire was significantly aided by a smallpox epidemic, which decimated the indigenous population and weakened their defenses.
In 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico, aiming to conquer the powerful Aztec Empire. While his military tactics and alliances were crucial, an unexpected ally emerged: smallpox. This European disease, new to the Americas, swept through Tenochtitlan by late 1520, killing an estimated 25% of the population, including Emperor Cuitláhuac.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 2-question quiz