48 pages • 1 hour read
Miguel León-PortillaThe Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1959A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla reorients the narrative of the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire from the perspective of the Indigenous Peoples. The book provides a primer on Aztec society before the arrival of the Spaniards, describes initial interactions and conflicts culminating in the fall of Tenochtitlan, and covers the aftermath of the war, including mournful poems written by the Aztecs. The text includes distressing scenes of violence, war, and colonial oppression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla often praise its impactful retelling of the Spanish conquest of Mexico from the indigenous perspective, highlighting its historical significance and emotional depth. However, some critics find the translation and annotations occasionally inadequate, suggesting a need for more contextual clarity. Overall, it remains a powerful, essential read.
Who Should Read The Broken Spears?
A reader who would enjoy The Broken Spears by Miguel León-Portilla is fascinated by indigenous perspectives on historical events, particularly in contrast to dominant Western narratives. Fans of Howard Zinn’s A People's History of the United States or Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee will find this book deeply engaging and enlightening.