+
Handout
San Jose State University

San Jose State University: Conquest of the Cities of Gold: Europe's Interactions

For Students 6th - 8th
The arrival of Hernan Cortez in Mexico, his encounters with the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and the Spanish defeat of the Aztecs are described.
+
Handout
Other

History of the World the Aztecs

For Students 9th - 10th
A history of the Aztec civilization, beginning with their travel to the valley of Mexico and ending with the conquest of the Spanish over them. Includes information about agriculture, travel, communication, war, religion, and human...
+
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
A huge website that provides a virtual field trip exploring the Spanish adventurers who quested for gold and land in the New World. The site has information on Pizarro, Orellana, Cabeza de Vaca, Cortes as well as extensive information...
+
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Moctezuma Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Under Moctezuma, the Aztec empire was strong and expanded its borders. However, when the Spanish arrived, their superior power and weapons enabled them to conquer the Aztecs. Read about Moctezuma's life, his interactions with the Spanish...
+
Website
University of Calgary

University of Calgary: Hernando Cortes Exploration

For Students 9th - 10th
This account of "The Conquest of the Aztec Empire" tells the story of Cortes' encounter with the Aztecs and the fall of the empire.
+
Website
Other

Heritage History: Montezuma

For Students 3rd - 8th
Historical information about Montezuma II, ruler of the Aztecs at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The information is taken from heritage history books written for young people.
+
Website
Other

Timeline Index: Cortez, Conqueror of Mexico 1519

For Students 6th - 8th
A chronology of the life of Hernando Cortez up to the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs.
+
Handout
BBC

Bbc: History: The Story of the Conquistadors

For Students 9th - 10th
A well known historian tells the story of the early Spanish explorers known as "conquistadors". He discusses their motivation, what effect they had on the native American societies and much more. Archived.
+
Handout
Other

Traditions of Mexico: El Dia De Los Muertos

For Students 9th - 10th
The story of "El Dia de los Muertos" (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico, with emphasis on the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, the blending of Spanish and native Mexican cultures, and even American influence upon this Mexican tradition.
+
Website
Mex Connect

Mexico's Colonial Era Part Ii: Religion and Society in New Spain

For Students 9th - 10th
This article examines religion in Mexico beginning with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, and some of the changes since then.
+
Handout
Other

Who2 Biographies: Montezuma Ii Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a brief biographical sketch on the Aztec priest king Montezuma, including the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.
+
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Atrial Cross at Acolman

For Students 9th - 10th
The Atrial Cross at Acolman offers a fascinating look into the interactions between Spanish friars and Nahua converts in the years directly following the conquest of Mexico. View pictures and descriptions of the cross and the Augustinian...
+
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Mexico City and Vicinity, 1580

For Students 9th - 10th
A facsimile of a map by Saverio Clavigero (1780) of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) and vicinity around the time of the Spanish conquest in 1519. This map, according to William H. Prescott (History of the Conquest of Mexico, 1876), defies...
+
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Maps Etc: Clavigero's Map of Mexico, 1521

For Students 9th - 10th
A facsimile of a map by Francisco Saverio Clavigero (1780) of central Mexico in 1521, showing the Aztec dominion during the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan. The map shows the territorial divisions and native cities at the time.