The Worst Conquistador You Don't Know 

What other historical figure was the worst at what they did?

I like how you point out the historical myth that Columbus proved the Earth was round and that he sailed the Atlantic because he miscalculated the planet's distance.

The interesting thing to me about the whole “you’re Spanish and Christian now” thing is that it’s an abuse of old Spanish law. Believe it or not, it was actually illegal in Spain to just roll up to a place and conquer it (if you were below a certain rank. Elites were legally allowed to conquer places). You could, however, have the legal right to put down rebellions and award yourself territory for your “successful stopping of a revolt”. So, what conquistadors would do is roll up to a place and say “you’re a Spanish subject now” and when those people obviously replied with “I’m not Spanish” you could then respond with “see? They’re trying to revolt from our great empire”.

Fun fact: "Pánfilo" literally means "idiot" in Spanish nowadays.

So you’re just gonna ignore that part how Muslims in Iberia and everywhere else constantly raided, kidnapped, enslaved and butchered Christians. The ottomans were some of the worst practitioners of it.

I like how creative Drawn of History is when he is foreshadowing something in a historical event. He doesn't just put down foreshadowing and call it a day, he just gives a person 4 shadows and has said character be amazed by it. It's great creativity.

I love the fact that you mention Bartolome de Las Casas, and that he truly was quite progressive for the time. Yes, he did advocate for the use of African slaves but later on in his life, he did renounce that as well. Too bad, he didn’t see it and recognize it earlier on. But still, he pave the way for many others to come after him.

"I'm doin' it! I'm doin' it! I'm conquistadoring!"

Honestly I really struggle with the fact you don't have far, far more subscribers. This work, the history, the art and the style of script and how you get the information over whilst being entertaining deserves far more than you've got, like many many thousands more. It's so hard to understand why some channels that put in half the work and are much less entertaining get large following but your channel is struggling. Let's hope you get some attention from the RU-vid algorithm at last. Keep it up mate surly gotta get the rewards this stuff deserves.

Love to see this channel continue to grow! Your effort doesn't go unnoticed :D

I almost always skip the ad reads on these types of vids, but I was so hyped for you to finally get a sponsor I watched the whole thing lol. Keep up the great work guys

Honestly I can not understand how this isn't an actual TV show. It's super funny, informative, entertaining and has incredible graphics. You guys honestly might be the most underrated history channel I have ever seen. Love your work!

One of my undergrad thesis advisers was an latin American conquest specialist- she had A LOT to say about the various conquistadors (which was extra funny, since she was also a 5"2 austrian woman with the thickest accent imaginable). She would have loved the fact you gave Cortes a "Disney villain" voice. Also, I unironically love the surf shark

Part II is practically *begging* for a quick “Moctezuma’s revenge” joke somewhere in there. 😂

when jesus said its Jesususing time the crowd went wild.

The move Cortés pulled on the governor of Cuba was such a great legal technicality. He legally founded Veracruz, and then Veracruz’ “municipal council” changed his orders so his expedition could go to Tenochtitlán.

Congratulations on the Surfshark sponsorship dude! Well earned! Also, this was a fascinating look into an historical figure I hadn’t heard much about, so I really enjoyed seeing you look into this dude! Also, I really love that you cover some of the less talked about parts of history. It really makes you stand out from the rest!

I do stuff with Mesoamerican history and archeology: Narvaez actually worked with Mexica officials and soldiers to arrest Cortes! I think the video does a great job showing that while many already know it wasn't simply Conquistadors vs the Aztec (i'll touch more on Aztec vs Mexica etc as terms further down: it's cool you asked AztlanHistorian, but some stuff is off, with visuals too) It's often not appreciated just how complex those political dynamics really were: You really show that well with the Spanish officials working against each other, but it's also that Mesoamerican kings, officials etc were manipulating conquistadors against each other and shaping the events of the Conquest on their end, and i'll explain more of their motives and competing interests below: For example, in the video, you rightly show that Xicomecoatl, the king of Cempoala (one of 3 major capitals of the Totonac civilization) egged Cortes on with a sob story about Aztec mistreatment... but what he then did was get Cortes to assault an "Aztec fort", which was really Tzinpantzinco, another Totonac capital and their main local political rival. Then the Totonacs lead the Conquistadors into hostile territory under the influence of the Republic of Tlaxcala (possibly to get rid of them, possibly to test their military might more, it may have even been under orders of accompanying Aztec diplomats trying to use them against Tlaxcala as not all accounts have them disuading Cortes; Cortes in turn was also telling both the Aztec and the Totonacs that he was on their side and just tricking the other! Everybody was playing everybody!), and the Tlaxcalteca and Conquistadors fight, the former almost cornering the latter till different Tlaxcalteca officials finally convince Xicotencatl II, who managed the Tlaxcalteca armies, to ally with Cortes instead. Then en route to Tenochtitlan, in Cholula, which had recently switched political allegiances from being a Tlaxcalteca ally to being under Aztec influences, the Tlaxcalteca feed Cortes info about an alleged ambush, they massacre the city, and then the Tlaxcalteca conveniently install a pro-Tlaxcala regime in the city, almost like the Tlaxcalteca were using Cortes to take out a rival and further their local influence... it's not like we didn't see that just happen with Cempoala and Tzinpantzinco! Even Moctezuma II inviting Cortes and the Tlaxcalteca into Tenochtitlan makes a lot more sense when you understand that the Aztec Empire's political model: Rather then a hands-on unified imperial entity, the Aztec Empire was more a network of largely independent states (which is where the terminology in the video does have an issue: You use Mexica instead of Aztec, but the Mexica are specifically the Nahua ethnic group in Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco, so simply switching out "Aztec" with "Mexica" in every instance doesn't quite work: some "Aztec" states were say Acolhua or Tepaneca etc Nahuas rather then Mexica Nahuas, some subject states weren't Nahuas at all, and there's a bunch of other caveats: Aztec vs Mexica vs Nahua vs Tenochca etc gets SUPER complex, so not getting it perfect is understandable): Subjects were kept in line more based on the perception of Mexica power then any sort hands-on administrative control; plus economic and dynastic influence to court political marriages and voluntary vassals into aligning with them. Moctezuma denying Cortes entry would be seen of an act of cowardice, and potentially harm perception of Mexica military might (which could lead to seceding subjects), while letting Cortes in gives him an opportunity to flex the glory of the city and it's riches to then try to angle for a political marriage and an alliance or to turn them into subjects (Noblewomen and princesses were even given to high ranking Conquistadors as attempted political marriages, they were just misinterpreted as concubines). Furthermore, by keeping the Spanish in Tenochtitlan (as noted by Restall, in a manner evocative to the zoos, gardens, and aviaries; compare also to the children of foreign kings who similarly served as attendants in royal places to similarly establish political dominance, and to impress onto them the grandeur of the city and it's power for when they returned home), Moctezuma II was effectively subduing and collecting them, which is a flex to other Mesoamerican kings. That brings us to the idea that Moctezuma II was taken captive and being puppeted by Conquistadors for most of their time in Tenochtitlan. This is something Cortes and others claim, but there's reason to be skeptical of this. You say this is strange in the video, so to clarify: Cortes and co do not actually describe Moctezuma II as being detained for most of this period, on the contrary, they have him moving about as if he was still in charge (and with ample chance to rally armies, if he needed to defend himself), meanwhile the Spanish accounts still record the Conquistadors being anxious and paranoid and feeling at the mercy of the Mexica, their Tlaxcalteca allies, etc. More damningly the claim of him being captured ties into Cortes's assertion that Moctezuma II "surrendered" the city to him, which at worst was a lie, and at best a misunderstanding of the elite diplomatic subdialect of Nahuatl which was heavy on lyrical symbolism and being humble... probably both: It's an excuse for Cortes to claim that he was already in charge, and therefore his actions are justified because he's putting down a rebellion or locking up a treasonous king, etc. On the flip side, though, it is also true that if Moctezuma II were compromised, he may want to hide this as to not undermine his influence: Not because he was seen as a god (which as you note is a myth: Cortes even says in his letters Moctezuma II said both he AND CORTES were merely human), but because a weak or nonfunctional ruler was a liability: Mexica kings/Aztec Emperors were technically elected, and could also be deposed.... or assassinated: When a new Aztec emperor took power, border provinces would often stop paying tribute, both to legitimately see what they could get away with, but also to test their capabilities. One emperor, Tizoc, did this and subsequent campaigns so poorly, that it risked fracturing the empire and he was assassinated likely by Mexica nobles to put somebody more capable in place: His successor, Ahuizotl, WAS capable, yet he still got ghosted at his coronation campaign becaus Mexica influence had diminished that much. And sure enough, when Moctezuma II really WAS captured for sure and being ordered around by Conquistadors trying to de-escalate after the Toxcatl massacre, Mexica councils had already elected a successor: Maybe Moctezuma II was assassinated by Conquistadors (as Nahuatl accounts claim), or maybe he really was killed by angry Mexica crowds who, at this point, already had a new king anyways. It's also only at this point (After Moctezuma II's death, and after the smallpox outbreak which crippled the city) that Cortes starts to get alliances with actual core Aztec city-states rather then border ones like Cempoala (who aren't even with him anymore), or with totally independent, enemy states not a part of the empire to begin with (Like Tlaxcala).: People often claim Cortes got alliances due to "Aztec oppression" making the Mexica resented, but as I've said, while the Mexica were conquerors, they weren't imperalists: they were quite loose. The fact that these core states (which actually benefitted from Mexica success, due to the taxes they brought into their shared valley and their close political marriages with the Mexica royal line giving them influence) only first join AFTER Moctezuma II died (recall what I said about the deaths of emperors being a time to rethink political commitments) and AFTER Tenochtitlan was half dead and dying from disease, unable to collect taxes, and had it's military influence damaged due to recent events is very telling that this was simply opportunistic backstabbing (though Texcoco had a grudge, or rather, one prince did: Ixtlilxochitl II and his subordinates sided with Cortes because he was mad the Mexica backed a different claimant for the throne during a Texcoca succession dispute a few years prior), especially since this sort of thing happened all the time in Mesoamerica: The Aztec Empire itself was founded in nearly identical circumstances a century prior. There's more I can say about the political dynamics and motives of different local kings and officials, this is actually a short version, but i'm running out of space and I want to touch on visuals in the video: The quality of art, animation, is good and the style is fun, but the accuracy/authenticity of outfits, architecture, decorations, etc is mixed. Some of it IS good, I like how a good amount of the soldiers actually have Ichahuipilli gambeson armor and Ehuatl wartunics, and the outfits the king and official at 14:58 has, as well who I assume is meant to be as Xicomecoatl at 13:40 all look good, but a lot of the other stuff is off: Actual mesoamerican clothing tends to be very ornate and richly patterned cloaks, blouses, jewelry, etc; the aesthetic of people being mostly naked with tattoos and big headdresses the other figures in the vid is typically more a media sterotype then how stuff looked (Moctezuma II didn't have a headdress, for example!). Buildings also were richly painted with murals and frescoes. Daniel Parada/Kamazotz, Rafael Mena, OHS688, ChicoDLHistoria, Shi-Gu/Itzcacalotl, Nosuku-K, "Indian Clothing Before Cortes", "Insignia of Rank in the Nahua World" and "The Adorned Body" are good starting places for clothing, while for architecture, in addition to everybody I just said, see also, Scott and Stuart Gentling, Christopher Klein, TlatoaniMC/TlatoaniCraft, and TRASANCOS 3d (tho be aware TRASANCOS 3d often don't show the suburbs that would have sprawled out around the urban centers of Maya sites).

Panfilo de narvaez was 6 foot 2 he was a giant compared to other Spaniards and natives

While I like your take, you did fail to mention it wasn't just Small Pox that doomed the Aztec, Cortez also had a sizeable army of Natives who had been brutalized and enslaved by the Aztec. Numbers vary, but it was probably around 20,000 native warriors sided with Cortez and helped defeat the surviving Aztecs.

The conquistador training bit was muy bueno.

10:14 las casas actually later condemned the Atlantic slave trade as well. Definitely not an angel, but remarkably ahead of his time.

16:04: Yes, they originally DID think the conquistadors were gods. But once he arrived in Tenochtitlan and Moctezuma saw his face, that was when he realized that he was no god. However, he still gave them a god's welcome.

the factual sacrifices this channel makes to push a narrative never fail to amaze me

Fantastic work on the sponsorship! I’m so proud of how far this channel has come from its beginnings, and even on your earlier channels!

This is gonna be good

What's wrong with people? How does this channel still have less than 50k subs? I feel we have an obligation to do what we can to boost DoH. One of my favorite channels on RU-vid.

Glad to hear you got a sponsor for your channel, looking forward to seeing more work from you.

YOU GOT A SPONSOR WOOOOO CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m so happy for you, it’s amazing to watch your wonderful channel grow

Omg I’m glad you are back you make some of the best fun historical videos please keep producing this gold content the world needs it!

Congratulations on the sponsorship been fun watching your channel grow as it will continue to do.

You know it's a bad video about spanish history when Bartolome de las Casas gets namedropped.

This just popped up in my home feed, I got so happy. The perfect video to go with my lunch break. I love this channel!

Drawn of History, it's so awesome that you finally have gotten a sponsor! I am so glad Chris brought me to your channel!

You know ita a good day when tankfish and Drawn of history post on the same day

Great job on this one, keep it up History G

I like how you debunked the myth that syphilis was a new world disease

"Who let this Jewish guy in here" had me rolling!

Just stumbled across your channel today. I've been binging your episodes all morning. Absolutely love it! I'd like to make a suggestion for an episode if I may, I'd love to see your take on the Peloponnesian war. Ancient Greek antiquity is my absolute favorite historical period.

I usually put this type of video on in the background and listen, but that's not happening with this channel. The visual gags like on the signs, books, and anywhere else the wit will fit are incredible. 👏🏼

Couldn’t agree with Mr. Beat more, one of the best channels on YT.

Watching the sponsorship is worth it

Your videos never disappoint, it was worth waiting for great work 👍

Is it Guzman? I think he was referred to in Spains Black Legend Which is a legend all about Spain kinda bullying the New World

"Irregardless"= proof of his incompetence I love this and am on my third rewatch 🐐

I went to skip your ad but before I could it immensely entertained me 😂 I stayed for the whole ad! 😅

Congrats on getting a sponsor. I hope this means more visibility and videos in the future.

good job, keep up the good work. Love you content, hope ya keep growing.

I've been waiting for a long long time for Caesar part II, I hope that day comes sometime relatively soon if you can

Hey Drawn of History. I just wanted to let you know this really helped me today. I was having it rough this morning (usually I am happy and great in the morning but not this one) and your history video really took my mind off of it.

When he said in the one who knocks and its Conquistadoring time the cinema got chills

Hey congratulations on finally getting a sponsor dude!

I am happy to see you guys finally got a sponsorship

Will you make separate videos for each Crusade or one massive video?

Very good content just one small request. I watched the king John video and couldn’t find a source on the honey covering the wound (seemed like there were multiple theories around what exactly killed him that wasn’t one of them). If that was just a joke and not some theory I couldn’t find the source to, mind throwing an asterisk on the screen in moments like that in future videos?

Great stuff!

I didn’t know I need a Spanish Conquistador video today.

The moment i heard john II's voice i knew it was spectrum also i am sorry panfilo, but i am only here for cortes,

Congrats 🎊 on the sponsorship

Now i can't wait to see second part ❤❤❤

First, congratulations on your sponsorship! Second, glad to hear our conquistador getting a second part. *Lafayette and Caesar have left the chat*

best way to endorse a sponsor epic bro good job

Ceasar ain't been done like that since Bithynia

I had this premiere in my calendar, alarm set and all.

Bartolomé also charge a lot to the native to speak out to the Crown about their suffering

12:24 I love the apocalypse now reference

They got a sponsor... I was suprised too. congrats 😊🎉

4:05 🎵CAPTAIN SPANISH INQUISITION RUNNING DOWN HALLWAYS 🎵 iykyk

i can't belive you only have 50k subs. This is one of the most entreteining history channels in all of youtube, like seriusly this is OverSimplified level of good, maybe better. Keep up the good work!!!

Already know this will be fire

Very interesting and entertaining video as always

He's Back!

Can’t wait bro

Is there a part 2?

Great video!

Loved that apocalypse now reference

Keep working man, you’ll be at 1 million subs in no time

I guess with Oversimplified gone, this channel will be the new Oversimplified

Cool Apocalypse Now reference with Narvaez reading that dossier on Cortes!

I used to watch MrBettsClass I was sad when it ended until I found out that he left to do drawn of history

Came for the history trivia, left escaping the cringe jokes

Love this channel

This channel deserves more subscribes

YESSSS MORE DRAWN OF HISTORYYYYY

Just found this chanell and is amazing. Clearly is inspired by Simplified History

Holy crap how is your channel not popular, it is so funny

Are we talking worst at his job, or the one who did the worst shit to people?

HOWLING WITH LAUGHTER AT THE SPONSOR BITS 😂🤣

6:19 Oh wow, an actual sponsor, congrats!!

You should make a video on the Roman kingdom and the early republic

3:40 It made my heart so happy when in the video, Jesus came in and was essentially like “y’all fools don’t know what love means do you” ahhhhh thank you! So many atrocities done through the centuries “in the name of God,” including the Crusades and burning an Incan man you already forced into conversion. That is the ultimate hearsay Edit: to add, at this point, like how it often is in modern day, empires that subscribed to “Christianity” (like the Spanish) were less motivated to bring the actual teachings and principals to outsiders and within themselves because of sincere faith, and instead Christianity was more of a surface level cultural symbol that could define the “us” verses “them.” The eagerness to forcefully assimilate outside nations merely represented them being conquered without actual concern for their souls or wellbeing

7:47 Siam is still a country? They just go by Thailand now. Same royal family too.

why did you have to put it on a premiere for three day? I guess you are working on the next part or a new topic and want to get it out sooner

I am betting it's Pedro de Alvarado since it looks like Aztecs.

This video made me realize that Battlefield Earth is basically a sci fi version of this. Cortez is Travolta, Panfillio is Forrest Whitacre and the cavemen are the Mexicans.

What is it about ppl name guzman being horrible in Mexico?

So excited to see another upload from y’all YAYYYY!!! Will we get a sequel to Caesar soon??? Edit: THE OUTRO CONFIRMED IT THANK YOUUU

So some major inaccuracies with Christopher Columbus. Yes, the map he was using at the time is considered extremely in accurate today, but was the most accurate map people had available to them at the time he also wasn’t an idiot. I’m not sure why everyone seems to consider him to be a moron, but the real issue was that everyone thought Asia was significantly larger than it actually thought Japan was where is where is modern day California and Mexico are today. Thomas also did not think he landed in Japan. He thought he was somewhere new. An incredibly common misconception.

Great video

Best birthday present ever