True History of the Conquest of New Spain

What it is

This is an English translation of the memoirs of Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a Spanish soldier who took part in the conquest of Mexico. He wrote his account later in life, describing what he saw and did during the campaign. This edition was translated by John Ingram Lockhart and published in London in the 19th century.

Why it matters

Díaz was present at many key events involving Moctezuma II, including his meetings with Hernán Cortés and his eventual capture. Because Díaz was there, historians treat his account as one of the most detailed primary sources about the fall of the Aztec empire, even though it was written from one side's point of view.

Look closer

• Why might a soldier's memory, written years later, differ from what actually happened?
• How does Díaz describe Moctezuma, and what does that tell us about Spanish attitudes at the time?
• What parts of the story might be missing because only the Spanish side wrote it down?