Moctezuma II Receiving Cortés Coloring Pages

Moctezuma II first received Cortés on November 8, 1519, in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. This meeting occurred after Cortés had marched inland from the Mexican coast with about 400 Spanish soldiers and thousands of indigenous allies.

Moctezuma may have initially believed Cortés was the returning god Quetzalcoatl, as foretold in Aztec prophecy. The Spanish arrival coincided with predicted dates, and their horses, metal armor, and firearms seemed supernatural to the Aztecs.

Tenochtitlan was one of the world's largest cities in 1519, with over 200,000 inhabitants. Built on an island in Lake Texcoco, it featured magnificent pyramids, floating gardens called chinampas, and causeways connecting it to the mainland.

Moctezuma presented Cortés with elaborate gifts including gold jewelry, feathered artwork, precious stones, and intricate textiles. He also provided the Spanish with luxurious quarters in his father's palace and abundant food for their horses.

The Spanish were amazed by Tenochtitlan's grandeur, comparing it to European cities like Venice. However, they were also horrified by Aztec religious practices, particularly human sacrifice, which they used to justify their conquest.

Cortés eventually took Moctezuma hostage in his own palace, using him to control the Aztec Empire. Moctezuma died in 1520, either from stones thrown by angry Aztec subjects or killed by the Spanish, depending on which historical account you believe.