[marktwain]

As for conquering Central and South America, the best source is “The Conquest of Mexico” by Bernal Diaz de Castillo. He was as foot soldier of Cortez, and describes the Conquest of Mexico from first hand experience.

It is the only first person account that exists, other than five letters to the Spanish Emperor from Cortez, and a couple of other letters.

Diaz goes into great detail about exactly what occurred. The Spanish conquered the Aztecs, against great odds. Human sacrifice and cannibalism were common and practiced throughout the area.

Researchers found records that the Aztecs alone sacrificed 40,000 humans in one year before the Spanish arrived. Diaz’ account buttresses that claim.

Not all conquests are evil. The conquest of Mexico started out as a trading expedition, that was repeatedly attacked. I found Diaz' first person account to be riveting.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Discovery-And-Conquest-Mexico/product-reviews/0306806975/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0

[sauropod]

Thank you for this. I will buy this and read it.

FReegards, ‘Pod.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Bernal Diaz also states that when the Spanish were given women for wives the soldiers refused to marry them till the women had been thoroughly taught Catholic doctrine and converted to Christianity.