Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest: Updated Edition

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is a revised and updated version of a classic work that challenges the myths and misconceptions of the Spanish Conquest of the Americas. It explores the origins and fallacies of seven common myths about the conquest, including the idea that Columbus set out to prove the world was round, the conquistadors were soldiers, the native Americans took them for gods, Cortés had a unique vision of conquest, and handfuls of Spaniards brought down great empires with rapidity. The book uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources and presents a scholarly but readable style. The updated edition critically examines the book's arguments and their impact on the rise of a New Conquest History.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is a groundbreaking work that delves into the myths surrounding the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Written by renowned historian and author John Lloyd Stephens, the book was first published in 2003 and has since become a cornerstone of the New Conquest History movement. In this updated edition, Stephens takes a fresh look at the myths and misconceptions that have persisted for centuries about the Spanish invasion and its aftermath.

Chapter 1: "The Round Earth Myth"
Stephens begins by debunking the myth that Christopher Columbus set out to prove the world was round. In fact, Columbus was motivated by a variety of factors, including commercial interests, religious zeal, and a desire to explore new lands. He was not seeking to disprove the ancient Greeks' belief in a flat Earth, but rather to find a new route to the East Indies.

Chapter 2: "The Soldier Myth"
Stephens challenges the notion that the conquistadors were professional soldiers. Instead, they were a mix of adventurers, mercenaries, and ordinary people who were drawn to the promise of wealth and glory in the New World. The conquistadors were often ill-prepared for the challenges they faced, and their tactics were often brutal and ruthless.

Chapter 3: "The God Myth"
Stephens examines the belief that the native Americans took the Spanish conquistadors for gods. In reality, the native Americans had their own complex religious and cultural beliefs, and they viewed the Spanish as a foreign invader. The conquistadors used religion to justify their actions and to manipulate the native Americans.

Chapter 4: "The Unique Vision Myth"
Stephens challenges the idea that Cortés had a unique vision of conquest procedure. In fact, Cortés was influenced by a variety of factors, including the writings of Marco Polo, the experiences of other European explorers, and the political and economic conditions in Spain. His tactics were not particularly innovative, and he was not alone in his conquest efforts.

Chapter 5: "The Rapid Conquest Myth"
Stephens debunks the myth that handfuls of vastly outnumbered Spaniards were able to bring down great empires with stunning rapidity. The Spanish conquest of the Americas was a complex and protracted process that involved a large number of participants, including native Americans, African slaves, and European traders. The conquistadors faced a variety of challenges, including resistance from native populations, disease, and logistical difficulties.

Chapter 6: "The Diverse Cast of Protagonists"
Stephens emphasizes the diverse cast of protagonists involved in the Spanish conquest of the Americas. This included Spanish conquistadors, native Americans, and African slaves. The conquistadors were not the sole beneficiaries of the conquest, and native Americans played a significant role in shaping the course of the Spanish invasion.

Chapter 7: "The New Conquest History"
Stephens concludes by examining the rise of the New Conquest History movement, which emerged in response to the distortions and misrepresentations of the Spanish conquest in conventional histories. The New Conquest History movement seeks to provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the Spanish invasion and its aftermath, recognizing the complexity and diversity of the participants and the cultural and social changes that it brought about.

In conclusion, Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest is a vital and essential work that challenges the myths and misconceptions that have persisted for centuries about the Spanish conquest of the Americas. By providing a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the event, Stephens helps to shed light on the complex and fascinating history of the Spanish invasion and its impact on the world. This updated edition is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Americas and the development of modern civilization.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197537299