Conquistadors: The Rise and Fall
2023 · Documentary · 1 Season · 6 Episodes ·
Sheds light on the harsh truths surrounding Europe's dramatic wave of expansion from 1492 after Colombus landed in the Caribbean.
Episodes
1. A New WorldThe accidental discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus sparks an age of exploration for the Spanish Empire, and a dark new chapter in the history of the Americas.
2. The Caribbean ConquestColumbus's return voyage to the Americas begins with bloodshed when he discovers that the Spanish left behind at Hispaniola have been killed by the indigenous Taíno; a chain a brutal colonisation throughout the Caribbean begins.
3. The Aztec ConquestThe ruthlessly ambitious Hernán Cortés travels deep into the Mexican interior to conquer one of the greatest empires in the Americas: The Aztecs. His victory cementing the subjection and submersion if indigenous populations.
4. The Inca ConquestFollowing the success of Hernán Cortés's campaign over the Aztecs, conquistador Francisco Pizarro sets his sights on conquering the largest civilisation in the Americas: the Inca.
5. The Growth of the ColoniesAfter decades of conquest, the Spanish colonies have grown throughout the Americas. The Spanish monarchy struggles to control the guardians of New Spain from afar and the discovery of a vast silver mine in Bolivia heightens tensions.
6. The Black LegendJealousy of Spain's new wealth and disdain for their violent practices in the Americas leads to other European rulers propagating an anti-Spanish narrative. The 'Black Legend' is born and heralds an end to the era of conquistadors.
