Question

How did one Aztec describe the Spanish conqueror's lust for gold?

Answer 1

See below:

Explanation:

Friar Bernardino Sahagun was a Franciscan Friar who did missionary work in what is now Mexico. He was born Bernardino de Rivera in 1499 in Sahagún, Spain.

While in Mexico he wrote a history of the Spanish conquest of these lands. He published a book of this history in 1576 titled General History or Historia General.

For this book he interviewed many native Mexicans and one of the quotes he captured from one of these native inhabitants was:

They laid before them golden streamers, quetzal feather streamers, and golden necklaces.

And when they have given them the gift, they appeared to smile, to rejoice exceedingly, and to take great pleasure. Like monkeys they seized upon the gold. It was as if then they were satisfied, sated, and gladdened. For in truth they thirsted mightily for gold; they stuffed themselves with it, and starved and lusted for it like pigs.