Episode 131: A Collision of Worlds-The Spaniard conquest of Mesoamerica

David M. Carballo's Collision of Worlds offers a deep history of the fall of Aztec Mexico and the creation of New Spain. The book uses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological evidence with written accounts from both Spanish and indigenous sources to explore the encounter between these two civilizations. Carballo examines the long histories of both Mesoamerica and Iberia, highlighting their respective cultural, political, and technological developments leading up to the conquest. The text then details the invasion itself, analyzing the military strategies, alliances, and cultural clashes that shaped the colonial era. Finally, the book explores the lasting impact of the conquest, considering the demographic collapse, religious syncretism, and the formation of a new, hybrid society in New Spain.Purchase and read here.