500 Years: Cortes and the Conquest of Mexico

In 1521, Hernan Cortes stepped into Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, conquering an empire of millions with an invading force of 630 men. It was a surprising, almost inconceivable accomplishment yielding wealth beyond imagination, as Tenochtitlan, built on a lake with towering temples and floating gardens, had a flourishing economy. Sustained by a religion and polity feeding on vassal states for tribute and human sacrifice (up to 80,000 in one year alone), it was, according to eye-witness Spanish accounts, as magnificent, more populous and well-ordered than the greatest cities of Europe. To form your own opinion, we will explore what happened, how it happened and what consequences followed.

Herbert Gooch, PhD, is professor emeritus of political science at California Lutheran University. He formerly served as director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and assistant provost for graduate studies. A history graduate of UC Berkeley, he holds an MBA in management and both master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from UCLA. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide.

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Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older. All are welcome to this one-time lecture. Cost is $10.

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Register by 3 p.m. Dec. 3 for in-person attendees or 3 p.m. Dec. 7 for virtual attendees.