Death in Old Mexico: The 1789 Dongo Murders and How They Shaped the History of a Nation

In 1789, Don Joaquín Dongo and his employees were brutally murdered in a Mexico City mansion, sparking an investigation and public executions. Nicole von Germeten's book "Death in Old Mexico" explores the crime of the century, revealing Enlightenment-era greed and savagery and how European imperialism influenced perceptions of violence in the Americas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

On October 23, 1789, a tragic event unfolded in a luxurious mansion in Mexico City, where Don Joaquín Dongo, along with ten of his employees, met their brutal end at the hands of three ruthless killers armed with machetes. The authorities launched a relentless pursuit to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice, dedicating themselves to unraveling this heinous crime that would come to be known as the "crime of the century." Two weeks later, the killers were publicly executed, their acts serving as a stark reminder of the harsh consequences of such acts. Over the course of the past two centuries, this event and its aftermath have captivated the minds of writers, both fiction and nonfiction, as they explore the depths of human greed, savagery, and the darker aspects of the human condition.

In her meticulously researched book, Nicole von Germeten meticulously reconstructs a paper trail that traces the origins of this tragedy to the Enlightenment-era greed and savagery that permeated the society of late colonial Mexico City. Through a wide array of sources, including official records, court documents, and eyewitness accounts, von Germeten sheds light on the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that played a role in the murders. She also highlights the striking similarities between the violence of the Mexican judiciary and the acts of the murderers, emphasizing how the institutions of power were complicit in either tolerating, encouraging, or suppressing such acts of violence.

One of the most striking revelations in von Germeten's book is the extent to which European imperialism in the Americas influenced perceptions of violence and its tolerance. During this period, the Spanish government conducted dozens of executions in Mexico City's central square, a public spectacle that served as a warning to those who dared to challenge the authority of the colonial regime. These executions not only demonstrated the power of the Spanish crown but also revealed how European imperialism shaped the cultural and societal norms of the time. Von Germeten argues that the violence witnessed in Mexico City during this era was not merely a result of local factors but was also deeply intertwined with the broader dynamics of European colonialism.

Death in Old Mexico offers a compelling new perspective on late colonial Mexico City, challenging the traditional narratives that have been perpetuated over the years. Von Germeten's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis provide a deeper understanding of the complex social, political, and cultural forces that shaped this period of history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Mexico, Latin America, and the broader world, as it sheds light on the darker side of human nature and the enduring impact of historical events on our present-day world.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009261500