9. The Aztecs - A Clash of Worlds 

OMG 4 hours straight of AWESOME HISTORICAL STORY TELLING? SCORE!!!!

We just signed our 12 year old son up for remote learning. Your channel will be part of my personal lesson plan for us all to enjoy daily. So enjoyable thank you so much.

I was surprised when it finished and saw it passed more than 4 hours, it felt like 30 minutes. It was so enjoyable, I wish history at school was this interesting. The best history channel on RU-vid for me.

"I need 4000 of your best warriors." "Best I can do is 20 turkeys, take it or leave it."

My daughter of 9 often critisises me of keeping my feelings bottled up. She came in as i was listening to this podcast and asked me what's wrong- i had tears in my eyes. I usually tell her all, in details, I don't shelter her too much from the sadness in the world. I couldn't tell her now what i felt for the Aztecs, how i suddenly missed them even without ever really knowing them, and that what i miss the most is the chance of ever knowing them. How do you explain to a child that man is so often so cruel that he is capable of destroying a whole nation? How does this story come to repeat itself so many times in our history? Thank you for this channel and especially this episode!

FANTASTIC episode! I am blown away by all the incredible detail you put into this, especially that you had a Nahuatl speaker reading the Florentine codex. Hats off to you, sir!

No loud music in the background makes this listen a must!

This series is an absolute masterpiece.

Yeah you got to find something to listen to when I'm trying to go to sleep I love ancient history it relaxes me and puts me to sleep

I have found this channel during lockdown and it has literally saved my sanity :) I feel so relaxed and educated thank you Sir

These podcasts are better than any documentaries I’ve ever seen, BBC, NATGEO etc. I’m a documentary freak. So glad for these, especially now!

The piano intro that you use on all of these seems to compress me with the weight of the humanity that I am about to experience from the great depths of the history you are sharing with us. Thank you. Unlike anything else.

Just signed up as a 'Patrician' member. I'm a pensioner and can't afford much but wanted to send you this as well as a big thank you for what you do. It's like you're an investigative reporter who goes back in time, then returns to regale us with your tales :) I'm always greatly and deeply impressed by the effort and reseach you put into each project and your narration is exceptional. I've listened to every one. (and hope this doesn't offend you but I almost always play one of the podcasts when I get into bed at night.. I marvel at your story telling and find your voice so soothing. Yours are my favourite bedtime stories. Thanks again!

The only civilization where drinking was a capital offense, but taking psychadelics was an important part of your job.

Moctezuma is one of the most tragic figures in history. This is a beautifully told narrative and reveals parts of Cortez's character and motivations that haven't been discussed in other productions. The final battle for Tenochtitlan is epic, easily matching any of the great battles of European and Middle Eastern history. Well done!

“Small rat sized mammals from which every person you know today is descended”. Some of them haven’t changed a bit!

All four and a quarter hours were absolutely worth my full attention. A casual listen would miss so much detail, and even that detail feels like just a summary of the most important parts. Like a well-written book, no part of this episode should be skipped, or your attention diverted, as you may miss a crucial part of the narrative. What a masterpiece.

The bit about dinosaurs surprised me a bit. I'm already imagining the next one. "To understand the Harappan civilization, we must first begin with the Big Bang."

Sometimes you find a treasure on RU-vid and yesterday I found this series man what a lucky day :)

4 hours? You know if you spoil us like this we won't grow up right.

Outstanding historical documentary style podcast, this latest 4 plus hour story convinced me to subscribe, love it, and appreciate work that goes into such an professionally done series, thank you !

I think I felt the deepest grief about this episode. I have been to the ruins of many of the destroyed Aztec cities. I had no idea how hard the peoples of Mexico struggled against the Spaniards

After having finished this masterpiece of a video the one thing i came away from this video with is that truly no one was innocent.

Probably the best piece of media on this subject, or at least a tie with Daniele Bolelli's "People Of The Sun," but other than that there is no podcast or documentary series by any major producer that even touches this level of depth and quality, awesome channel.

26 minutes into the podcast: Our Story begins... Hehe

As a student (ex) of Latin American history all of this was very familiar to me but I have to say never have I heard it retold in such a compelling and erudite way, enhorabuena Paul, great depth and detail and a great story of history brought to life, Hugh Thomas, Miguel Leon Portilla and others would be smiling down on you for such homage to Mexican history.

Well I was just going to listen to this to fall asleep too. I listened to your podcast on the Greenland Norse civilization which is a great podcast by the way. But now I can’t get enough. Great story telling, I can visualize the entire narrative start to finish. Keep up the incredible work man!

This was the first time I learned of the co-existence and enmity between the Aztecs and the Maya. A whole new perspective on Mexican history. Thank you Paul Cooper.

These events really make me sad. The Mexica capital is a place I really wish I could've seen today, and I hate all that Cortez did. I definitely don't condone what the Mexica people did to their war prisoners, but their society intrigues me none the less. It's probably one of the greatest ancient wonders of the world that we will never get to see in it's glory as the Pyramids of the Egyptians, or the great structures of the Sumerians.

4 hours! I'm feeling spoiled!

Have listened to this twice now in under a week - absolutely mesmerising.

This is an absolutely terrific series. You really bring history to life.

The best History series EVER ! Thanks

Literally no hate in these comments. It's so refreshing.

I am listening to these every night. This is my go to sleep go to thingy 😂 Really well done and highly enjoyable as well as informative. Well done sir

Superb. You know how to tell a story and build suspense, all while including the most interesting observations -- like the comparison of New and Old World technologies. This history podcast is head and shoulders above other sites that are more 'data dumps' that turn history into a list of kings and battles. A big thumbs up here!

I don't understand how you have any downvotes. Making my way through your channel and all of it is fantastic!!! Thank you for taking the time to produce these wonderful videos. Love ALL of your content.

This podcast in particular was amazing. I was hanging on every word for 4 hours *as the Florentine codex describes*

As a book reader, i trully appreciate your naration--as if I am being told a story in the mode of written english, as in--descriptive and structured.

Oh man. This channel is awesome

When I saw this I was "4 hrs?!!" On my third hr and its so compelling. How you bring these people to life is unmatched. We were taught history as just dates and events but this brings the human elements in to history, that those events where made by people and also how those events affected people.

What an amazing story. This is one of the best podcasts I've ever heard.

Utterly brilliant. Four hours flew by. Gripped from start to finish.

You have brought Tenochtitlan back to life, for a while, perhaps more vividly than in any other of your podcasts I have listend to so far. I really appreciate the poetry you include, I didn't know any survived, and it makes me especially sad. I sincerely hope that there is a special place in hell reserved for Cortez...

When I forget my headphone adapter and can't listen on my phone, I'm ever so grateful for podcasters like you who upload on RU-vid. Thanks for being amazing!

Absolutely wonderful story telling.

Your channel is a lifesaver during lockdown! Engaging content, perfect execution, and the best history lessons I've ever had. Thank you!

I have read numerous books about Cortez, still I heard many interesting details for the first time in this episode. Very good job on the research!

The last hour of the podcast really made my heart sink. From the melting of ornate gold into bars, to the final surrender and demolition of a city and it's culture. All for one man's fame, pride and hopes of addoration, which he ultimately didn't get. Absolutely heart breaking stuff.

I do appreciate your beautiful presentations with language, music and the great quality of your voice. I especially liked the Bronze age collapse and Sumerian history. Learn a lot. Thank you

This is absolutely one of the most comprehensive and knowledgeable telling of Mexica history. Amazing. Thank you.

Excellent storytelling!!

Four hours that will stay with me the rest of my life. Immaculate work. Thank you.

I started listening to these just to have noise in the background while I work from home, I "listened" to several of these before actually paid attention. Now I love them. So well done and interesting 💯 I truly appreciate your work and look forward to your future projects

On the Narvaez expedition to Florida: the four survivors are out of 300, not 600. Narvaez split his party in two, leaving one party with the boats to head north while the party he lead went inland. The plan was to meet up again, and they somehow missed each other, leaving the land party stranded. The party with the ships looked for them for a while, but eventually gave up and headed home. Most of them survived. The land party ravaged the countryside for a while, stealing food and terrorizing the locals, and eventually decided to build boats and try to straddle the coastline to Mexico. None of them were boat makers. One boat eventually washed up near Galveston with several dozen survivors, most of whom starved to death that winter. Cannibalism occurred. The last few of them were enslaved by the natives, except the second in command, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, who became a wandering trader among the various tribes of Texas. He learned four native languages, and eventually heard a rumor of two other white men, and a black man (a Moorish slave of one of the expedition members), who were enslaved by a nearby tribe. He arranged for their escape or release, and they started walking in what they thought was the general direction of Mexico. At some point they became faith healers, and they developed a large following of natives of various tribes who thought they were some kind of holy men. 8 years after the expedition set out to Florida, the four survivors, completely naked and with beards down to their waists, finally met a group of Spaniards in Sonorra, Mexico. Cabeza de Vaca later wrote a memoir about the experience, which I can't recommend highly enough.

I love everything about this series. Chock full of wonderful insights and surprising facts. I especially enjoy the geographic scene setting at the start of each podcast.

Thank you. I listen to documentaries in order to fall asleep. Usually I get so interested I watch and do not sleep. With this being a podcast I have to put the phone aside and only listen. Again, thank you for the listen, the soothing narration and wonderful subjects.

This was absolutely fantastic, from start to finish. Was doing a night shift yesterday and this got me through it. You have a talent for story telling and conveying dense information in a very interesting and captivating manner.I also loved that this is 4 hours long. I didn't once feel like you were putting in filler or repeating things. Thank you for doing this and you've gained a new subscriber.

Yes, it is lengthy, but well worth the time listening to it ! Thank-you for helping me continue to fuel my passions, for this kind of history !

I've listened to all 4 hours of this with fascination. Most channels interpretation on history is mostly a summing up of battles. You have managed to give these events a human face. Well done.

4 and a quarter hours. Damn, you're hardcore. I love it.

As a Mexican from Nayarit who immigrated to Los Angeles California @ 7yrs old I appreciate this very deep dive into the intriguing tales of what we can only truly just imagine how lush and full of fauna the Land of Our Ancestors was previous to our filthy footprints that have all but destroyed so much of its natural habitat. Thanks for the hard work on not just this but all your content that saves us from the malarkey that's going on in our broken Country here in USA.

You really blessing us. Merry Christmas mr fallofcivs

Thanks for this! As a Mexican I really like How well explained is everything and How you covered up very important points. Thanks 🙏🏼

Magnificent, compelling, throughly, researched. I've seen and heard quite a few documentaries on this subject but this is far and away the best! Thank you sir.

I really haven't found anything else of such great quality history- wise on You Tube. This one especially was a real treat! Thankyou!!

Your podcasts remind me of sitting in front of my form tutor, at 5 years old, listening to greek and roman mythology. FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE, UTMOST RESPECT TO YOUR PRODUCTION....

Such a great documentary, but I find it sort of heartbreaking to listen to as well. Such cruelty. I would hope so very much that humanity is in the process of moving on from such utter darkness.

This podcast is so well made! I see great things for you in the future and i will be backing you on patreon, content of this quality deserves our full support!

Four hours, brilliant!

I have fallen inlove with this podcast. I listen to it when im at work and as im sitting on my porch. It def made work 10x more enjoyable. Looking forward to more episodes.

Thanks for the holiday gift, wish I could return the favor, honestly long form content is impossible to come by. Best of luck friend.

Ah yes, an onion, obviously.

I appreciate the depth and detail you've put into this episode.

Another episode that brought a tear to my eye. The Easter island one is incredibly fascinating and sad as well. Absolutely beautiful art

This is the best thing I've ever found on RU-vid. Every podcast is incredible its other worldly the way the story is told. I've listened to them all numerous times and they are all outstanding. Can't wait for the next one

I can listen to your podcast every day and never get tired. I love how you integrate the geography and the geology of the region while setting the stage for human history. I have recommended your podcast to all my friends and students!!!

Outstanding as usual. Every single episode is fantastic.

Having listened to the entire podcast all I have to say is STUPENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When people ask, what are you watching on RU-vid? I say, Fall of Civilizations. And this video on the Aztecs is my favorite. I learned about the Aztecs in school, but after viewing this I realize I only knew about 5% of their history. Thanks!

Outstanding documentary! Incredibly detailed with a fair and balanced sensibility!

Ever since this quarantine I’ve been watching noting but these and other historical podcasts. Please keep feeding my brain with awesome knowledge. History rules!

Purely awesome work. Hauntingly magnificent. Might I suggest the Indus Valley Civ, or the Olmec if there's enough information?

This afternoon I spend 4h sailing accross the Atlantic with Spanish conquistadores I witnessed eagle warriors capturing their enemies to sacrifice them to their gods, with my own eyes i ve seen cities unique in their splendor in a time long gone by, it was a journey I will remember gratefully

Having listened to the whole episode in left speechless... the people... so distant in time and space. Yet so similar. The poem at the end.... what a treat!!!!

Timing is uncanny. Caligula is in power, plague strides the land, peasants cry out at food banks, and the greedy arm themselves. No one ever clearly saw the beginnings of the "Fall" in any of these excellent tales of time and yet there they are, it happened. Timing is uncanny.

How much has been forever lost to the world due to the greed and butchery perpetrated by the Spanish. Thanks for sharing your time and the sad history of the destruction the Aztecs empire.

I'm really quite stunned. This provides a far more elegant solution to the problems posed by Diamond in Guns Germs and Steel. Very interesting.

where would one start... this one's a true masterpiece. Thank you once again!

My favorite notification so far the only problems I have with you is the wait in between podcast LOL keep it up!

I’ve been listening to this all day on and off - something I didn’t realise was the time period this was all happening it’s odd to this queen Elizabeth the 1st was around during this time you never learn this in school- I’ve got nearly an hour left this is so interesting

Bravo, bravo!! I have just finished listening to your podcasts, and this one was an epic. Excellent work. Your storytelling paints vivid pictures, and you bring life to these characters from history. Right, I am off back to the beginning, to listen to all these again!!

Just wonderful and dramaric! Violence and destruction to a tremendous extent.... and still poeticly told.... thanks so much!

The last hour is so hard to listen to you know they were great people the namesake of Mexico. The Mexican people have a grand and exciting history to be proud of.

These podcasts are so great. Thank you so much.

Shoutout to the voice actors!!! It was amazing to be able to hear the ancient language!

I love ❤️ this channel, the narrator is the best, the videos are AMAZING as well as the podcast. This guy is everything said times 10,000 🙏

Brilliant. I am just speechless of how good your work is. Thank you for the work you put into making the podcast.

I love your podcasts. I always have been amazed by aztec and other mesoamerican cultures, sculptures, and as a mexican i still use many words in those interesting languages. Whenever you come to México city, the museo nacional de antropologia is a most. Impresive.

I love your podcasts! I’ve learned so much. I agree that your voice is very relaxing! Thank you !!!