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Questions and Answers
What were the Spaniards seeking when they came to the Americas in the 1500s?
Gold, silver, and other riches
Who wrote a letter to Charles V describing Tenochtitlán?
Hernán Cortés
What is the main feature of the city of Tenochtitlán described in Cortés's letter?
It is situated in a lake with artificial causeways
How many people does the grand marketplace of Tenochtitlán draw daily?
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What is one of the main uses of the two stone pipes mentioned in the text?
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What role do magistrates play in the marketplace of Tenochtitlán?
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Moctezuma is described as wearing the same suit of clothing multiple times.
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How many nobles serve Moctezuma every day at the palace?
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The city of Tenochtitlán is described as being __________ and orderly.
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What feature of nobles' homes is mentioned in the text?
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Study Notes
Hernán Cortés' Description of Tenochtitlán
- Cortés describes Tenochtitlán as a grand city situated on a lake, accessible by four causeways wide enough for ten horsemen to ride side-by-side.
- The city is vast, with wide, straight streets intersected by canals for navigation. There are numerous bridges and public squares hosting bustling markets.
- The marketplace is organized by merchandise type, with a dedicated section for cloth, another for gold, and so on.
- The city is home to numerous temples dedicated to various deities. One district, surrounded by a wall, houses temples and towers used as burial places for nobility.
- These temples are adorned with intricate architectural details, carvings, and painted murals, accessible only to the elite.
- The city’s water supply system is sophisticated, with two stone pipes channeling fresh water to the inhabitants. The water is piped into canals, enabling people to obtain it from their canoes.
- The people of Tenochtitlán maintain a high level of civility, with neat attire, polite manners, and respect for one another.
- Moctezuma, the emperor, leads a life of extravagance, changing his four suits daily and dining on elaborate meals served by hundreds of nobles in a meticulously clean and orderly hall.
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Description
Explore Hernán Cortés' detailed account of Tenochtitlán, a remarkable city located on a lake, showcasing its sophisticated infrastructure and vibrant markets. Learn about the temples, water systems, and the daily life of its inhabitants. This quiz delves into the historical significance of Cortés' observations and the grandeur of this ancient civilization.
