LA VISIONE DEL POPOCATEPETL NELLE FONTI STORIOGRAFICHE DELLA CONQUISTA DEL MESSICO

Abstract

The view of Popocatepetl in historiographical sources on the conquest of Mexico. – During the Conquest of Mexico (1519-1521), and throughout the time of the Colonial New Spain, the Spanish were amazed by the Popocatepetl. This paper aims at analyzing the paragraphs which historical sources (XVI and XVII centuries) devoted to several aspects of the volcano, including what is believed to be the first ascent. According to the Spanish sources, the volcano constrained the maneuvers of conquistadores, but they managed to understand its nature. From the viewpoint of the natives, the mountain was primarily a metaphysical constraint, which symbolized the gateway to hell. Other authors reported the rituals celebrated in the site, which were later attested by archeological studies. The present survey draws from literary, documental and iconographic sources, as well as from the current academic literature.