Animal husbandry approach to the ethno history of equines during the Mexico-Tenochtitlan conquest

Abstract

Objective: To examine the presence and context around horses in New Spain colonial documents, utilizing a multidisciplinary methodology (history and animal husbandry).

Methodological design: The descriptions in which these animals appear were systematized, mainly the chronicle of Bernal Díaz del Castillo (eyewitness), the Florentine Codex, the Map of Mexico of 1550 and the ‘Actas de Cabildo’ of Mexico City (1524-1630).

Results: Details of the participation of horses in the conquest activities (1519-1521) and their use at the beginning of colonization were found; during the Conquest, the native populations were scared and surprised to encounter the horses, which was used by Hernán Cortés to succeed in battles, utilizing clever war strategies. It is recorded in the chronicles that horses and implements were very scarce, so they were taken care of to the maximum. The Mexica warriors also devised strategies to counter the equines, which served to drive the Spanish invaders out of Tenochtitlan, causing many deaths of soldiers and horses. When the empire of Moctezuma fell (August 1521) the reconstruction of the city began and the former soldiers became settlers. The horses were used to transport the Spanish colonizers, since agricultural work and transport of merchandise were done with indigenous chargers. The City Council issued specific ordinances to regulate activities related to horses.

Research limitations: Information is scattered within the different chronicles, which difficult the search.

Findings: The ethnozootechnical analysis allows a more comprehensive sight of the participation of horses during the Conquest and Colonial life.