The Battle of Xicalango, 1523

Following their defeat at the hands of the Aztec Armies, the Spanish fled from Mexican territory. With their departure, Moctezuma II resumed his mandate and established the Neo-Aztec Empire. He went on to conquer numerous regions that the Spanish had already taken control of, effectively reclaiming his authority over those territories. The Battle of Xicalango, which took place in 1523, marked the beginning of an empire that emerged without any European intervention. The fierce Aztecs utilized their knowledge of the land and their superior numbers to effectively besiege the Spanish for over a year, ultimately leading to their defeat. Xicalango, which had once been an Aztec city and served as their Caribbean stronghold, was eventually captured by the Mayans and the Spanish who had allied against the Aztecs. However, the betrayal of Malintzin, a former slave of the Mayans, revealed a vulnerable and undefended spot, allowing the Aztecs to break through and conquer the port city. This remarkable photo captures the final Spanish vessels attempting to reach the last galleon moored by the shore. Meanwhile, the armies rejoice and pursue them, ensuring they cannot come back. Fun fact: Malintzin was granted the status of a royal courtesan, and her family was given a powerful nobility title, which elevated them to rulers of Xicalango until today.