Strategic Alliances: The Heights of Indigenous Power

Perched strategically above Cortés' colonial settlement, the ancient Tlaxcala city of Quiahuiztlan commands sweeping views of the coastline where Spanish ships once anchored. This indigenous stronghold played a crucial role in the conquest of Mexico, as its Totonac inhabitants—eager to break free from Aztec dominance—formed a pivotal alliance with Cortés. The conquistador's military technology and these indigenous partnerships created an unstoppable force that would topple Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital. Today, these well-preserved ruins stand as a testament to the complex indigenous politics that shaped the outcome of the Spanish invasion.