In 1519, Hernán Cortés pushed his way into central Mexico with only about 500 Europeans, determined to conquer the land for riches, glory, and Charles I of Spain. This program tracks the brutal two-year Spanish campaign that ended with the fall of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, and the killing of Montezuma II. Key factors in the Spanish victory are addressed, including Cortés’ charisma, the aid of Cortés’ native interpreter/mistress, the power of steel weapons and armor, and Montezuma’s belief that Cortés was a returning god, destined to reclaim the throne. A Discovery Channel Production. (47 minutes)