Reviews of The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla often praise its impactful retelling of the Spanish conquest of Mexico from the indigenous perspective, highlighting its historical significance and emotional depth. However, some critics find the translation and annotations occasionally inadequate, suggesting a need for more contextual clarity. Overall, it remains a powerful, essential read.

A reader who would enjoy The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla is fascinated by indigenous perspectives on historical events, particularly in contrast to dominant Western narratives. Fans of Howard Zinn’s A People's History of the United States or Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee will find this book deeply engaging and enlightening.

The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla reorients the narrative of the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire from the perspective of the Indigenous Peoples. The book provides a primer on Aztec society before the arrival of the Spaniards, describes initial interactions and conflicts culminating in the fall of Tenochtitlan, and covers the aftermath of the war, including mournful poems written by the Aztecs. The text includes distressing scenes of violence, war, and colonial oppression.

Mysterious / Dark / Melancholic / Informative / Challenging

- The Broken Spears provides a unique perspective on the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, as it combines firsthand indigenous accounts that were originally recorded in Nahuatl.
- Miguel León-Portilla, the editor and translator of The Broken Spears, is a prominent scholar of Aztec literature and culture, and his work has significantly contributed to the understanding of Mesoamerican history.
- The book's original title in Spanish is Visión de los Vencidos which translates to "Vision of the Vanquished", emphasizing the perspective of the conquered indigenous people, rather than the conquerors.

**Motecuhzoma II**  
The tlatoani (king) of the Aztecs who was in power when the Spaniards arrived in the New World. He faced the challenge of responding to the arrival and actions of the Spanish conquistadors.

**Hernán Cortés**  
One of the initial Spanish conquistadors who played a key role in the downfall of the Aztec empire. He is sometimes depicted with contrasting characteristics depending on the perspective: either as a harsh conqueror or a skilled leader.

**Pedro de Alvarado**  
A Spanish conquistador and trusted lieutenant of Cortés known for his role in leading a violent assault on Aztec celebrants during a significant festival.

**Cuauhtémoc**  
The final Aztec king who took the throne after his predecessor's death. He is known for his role during the last days of resistance against the Spanish conquest.

**Cuitlahuac**  
The brother of Motecuhzoma who became king following Motecuhzoma’s death and challenged the Spanish presence in Tenochtitlan.

**Ixtlilxochitl II (Tezcocan Prince)**  
A Tezcoco prince who allied with the Spanish forces and adopted Christianity during the conquest.

**La Malinche (Dona Maria)**  
A native woman who served as a crucial interpreter for Cortés, bridging communication between the Spanish and Indigenous peoples.

**Diego Munoz Camargo**  
The author of a significant historical account of the Tlaxcaltecas, he offers insights into the Aztecs' Indigenous rivals during Spanish colonization.

**Bernardino de Sahagun**  
A Franciscan friar who compiled vital historical documentation from native Nahua informants, providing an essential source of information about pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture.

Miguel León-Portilla

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Broken Spears and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Broken Spears Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3

The Broken Spears Introduction-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Broken Spears Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Broken Spears Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Broken Spears Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

The Broken Spears Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

The Broken Spears Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Broken Spears Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Broken Spears Themes

Index of Terms

The Broken Spears Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Broken Spears Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Broken Spears Essay Topics

The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Broken Spears?

Reading Age

Book Details