RE: Book Review - The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
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It's fascinating how history isn't just about technological superiority, but also about political cunning, financial strategy, and internal fragmentation. I find the fact that the Indians paid for their own conquest incredibly interesting. I'm definitely going to look it up!
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Thank you ! I've always believed it's more about culture, ruthlessness and mindset than pure technology.
Cortez' conquest of Mexico is a prime (and fascinating) example. Traditional history books talk about steel weapons, horses and dogs. But the disparity in numbers means the Aztecs should still have easily overwhelmed the conquistadors. On the initial timescale, imported diseases only start having an impact towards the end.
The reality is that Cortez knew how to exploit divisions in the Aztec empire to find allies among subject cities, and that Aztec warfare was all about ceremonial display and capturing high-ranking prisoners for sacrifice. The conquistadors were veterans of centuries of no-holds barred vicious Reconquista. Taking Spain back from the Moors created a mentality where success was all that mattered, and where they had the confidence that they could win in any situation.