One of the most famous and remarkable history books ever written—and an excellent account of the origin and nature of Mexican civilization at the time of the conquest. Here is a rich and detailed portrait of the Aztec culture, which dominated the many races of Mexico with savage brutality, and of Hernando Cortes and his small party of cavaliers, who succeeded against all odds in defeating them. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Spaniards were motivated by Aztec gold, and not their self-proclaimed "mission of God."