This co-hosted history podcast episode focuses on the dramatic escape of Hernán Cortés and his men from Tenochtitlan in 1520, known as La Noche Triste ("The Sad Night"). The hosts discuss the events leading up to the escape, the chaotic retreat through the city, and the devastating consequences, including the loss of treasure and many lives. They highlight the role of smallpox in decimating the indigenous population and altering the course of the conquest. A key takeaway is how Cortés' survival, despite the catastrophic defeat, allowed him to rewrite history and shape the narrative of the conquest to his advantage. The episode concludes by setting the stage for the final assault on Tenochtitlan, emphasizing the shift from adventure story to brutal war.
