Mexica: A History Podcast

Jeremy Lipps

Mexica: A History Podcast is a nine-episode audio narrative that pulls listeners into the full sensory world of the conquest — the sounds of Tenochtitlan’s crowded markets, the heat of the Yucatan jungle and the chaos of battles. Deeply sourced and carefully told, it brings to life the Mexica, the Tlaxcalans, the Spanish, and the dozens of other peoples caught between worlds colliding.

  1. Episode 1

    Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico (Ep 1)

    Episode 1 – Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico. In Episode 1, we meet the Emperor Moctezuma and learn about some of his habits and beliefs. The Tlatelolco Market comes to life and we walk the streets of Tenochtitlan. Part 1 – Tlatoani Moctezuma Part 2 – Tenochtitlan Part 3 – Politics of the Valley Part 4 – Blood Debt to the Gods Part 5 – Prayer and a Messenger from the Coast Episode 1 Credits Researched, written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Storm Ambience Early Morning Breakup This Could All Be Gone Tomorrow Sustained Light Breathe The Gates Are Locked ~ Sound Effects ~ taikodrum by tarane468 jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme thunderclap by dave-welshbanshee-crying by aldebarancw Barcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimlos dog barking single by inspectorj quetzales by laurent hummingbird strafe by gezortenplotz banshee-crying by aldebarancw fire2 by pushtobreak cranes by ayamahambho thunder-clap-owb-ky by dave-welsh All music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.org Sound FX via FreeSound.org Support the show

    Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico (Ep 1)

  2. Episode 2

    Cortés, Extremadura and the New World (Ep 2)

    Cortés, Extremadura and the New World. In Episode 2, we explore Extremadura Spain, home of some of the most vicious conquistadors where Cortes was raised. The narrative follows Cortes from his childhood in the small town of Medellin to his first lessons in genocide in Cuba through the climactic battles with the Maya. Part 1 – Extremadura, Home of Conquistadors Part 2 – Life in the Indies Part 3 – Tabasco Part 4 – Taking of Potonchan Part 5 – Battle of Cintla Episode 2 Credits Written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy Fuego de Mateo by downforthecount Araucanian war song by downforthecount guitar percussion by bangcorrupt Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Sustained Light The Gates Are Locked taiko drum sequence for looping the sacrifice by infinita08 intro by lost dream  ~ Sound Effects ~ water-lapping by ceivh93 Barcelona street restaurants near Sagrada Familia by nimlos horses muffled hooves on dirt by craigsmith_r jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme canoe in flooded forest by reinsamba ambiance night wildlife by inspectorj campfire sound by sterckxs three cannon shots by originalmaja timber tree falling by matt_beer ambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzen pain schwester by repdac3 dog barking single by inspectorj musket 2 shots by kmarz1 steps park by hannagreen arrow cutting through the air by bruno auzet walla cuban men yell bball1 natural by kyles horse galloping by max headroom mercado 05 by dobroide horse snort by bruno auzet horses jingle jangle by craigsmith_r canadian horse running by vero marengere All music was sourced from www.freemusicarchive.org Sound FX via www.FreeSound.org Support the show

    Cortés, Extremadura and the New World (Ep 2)

  3. Episode 3

    Along the Coast (Ep 3)

    Episode Three – Along the Coast Cortes departs Maya country and heads north, to Triple Alliance (Aztec) territory. A messenger spots the ships, and this begins a year long political dance between Moctezuma and Cortes. Despite Moctezuma's attempts to curtail the Spanish push inland, Cortes discovers divides among the people. Part 1 – Closing out Business in Potonchan Following his victory at the Battle of Cintla, Cortes spent two weeks in the regional capital Potonchan, which he had named Santa Maria de la Victoria. In that time he prepared to sail north to San Juan de Ulua, where Captain Grijalva had met with Aztec representatives the year before. Part 2 – Aztec Territory Cortes sails north from Maya country to San Juan de Ulua where the Aztec sentries are on guard for another Spanish expedition. The Aztec representatives Tentlil and Cuitlalpitoc are sent to greet the new arrivals and the beginning of a months-long negotiation between the Mexica and the Spanish begins. Part 3 – Marina Reveals Herself A slave girl given to Cortes by the Maya chief Tabscoob, reveals a hidden skill: her ability to speak both Nahuatl and Maya. Her given name, Malintzin, is changed to the Christianized Marina and she takes her place at the side of Cortes for the next two years as his chief translator, advisor and eventually the mother of his child. Part 4 – Report to Moctezuma Tentlil meets with Cortes in the dunes and offers the Spanish supplies. An Aztec messenger is sent to Tenochtitlan with the report of the meeting. Part 5 – The Great Treasure Commissioned the year before for Grijalva, the legendary Great Treasure of Moctezuma is sent to Cortes on the coast. This treasure would be sent on to Spain as property of Charles V. Included in this original shipment it is believed, was the now famous green feathered headdress now housed in Vienna. Part 6 – Discontent and Political Maneuvering Hunger, mosquitoes and boredom had eaten at morale and Cortes soon found a group of men in revolt. He would emerge from the political strife as the Chief Justice and Commanding General of the new town of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. Episode 3 Breakdown – The Great Treasure of Moctezuma One of the most famous parts of the “Conquest of Mexico” is the treasure sent by Moctezuma to Cortes while he was on the coast. Most of the European accounts, and some of the codices, mention the treasure and the golden sun disc and the silver moon disc.  Visit the Episode webpage to read more. Support the show

    Along the Coast (Ep 3)

  4. Episode 4

    Exploiting Divides (Ep 4)

    In Episode 4, Cortes digs in and settles on the coast. He encounters a new people, the Totonacs, and discovers their conflict with the Aztec Triple Alliance. Part 1 – The Totonacs Cortes learns of the Totonacs, who invite him to meet Xicomecoatl, leader of the town of Cempoala. Cortes learns of their subjugation by the Aztecs, and the anger they hold for Moctezuma. Part 2 – Cempoala Cortes passes through Cempoala on his way North. The Spaniards are stunned by the beauty of Cempoala. They stay a few days before moving on. Part 3 – Quiahuitzlan Having spotted a mountain town from a coastal exploration, Cortes marches for the town, called Quiahuitzlan. Part 4 – Worry in the Capital With Cortes suddenly established on the coast and allied with their Totonac subjects, the Lords of th Triple Alliance began to feel the severity of these foreigners intent. Part 5 – Building of Villa Rica Under the command of the new Chief Justice and Commander Cortes the foundations of the town of Villa Rica de la Veracruz were laid. Part 6 - Loyalty to the Totonacs Cortes strikes a deal with the Totonacs to support them in independence from the Triple Alliance in exchange for indigenous support of food, labor and intelligence. Part 7 - Sinking Ships and Shipping Traffic The most legendary sub-plot of the "Conquest of Mexico" is Cortes sinking his ships. See below, Episode 4 Breakdown - Sinking Ships, for more historic outtakes for this famous incident. Part 8 - Garay A rival arrives off the coast and a confrontation occurs as Cortes seizes several men from the Garay Expedition, out of Jamaica. Episode 4 Credits Written, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Early Morning Breakup Sustained Light The Gates Are Locked Meydän, https://meydan.bandcamp.com/ Away Surreal Forrest intro by lost dream guitar percussion by bangcorrupt  ~ Sound Effects ~ jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme marching by webbfilmsuk walk on dirt road by mikeypme water-lapping by ceivh93 mercado 05 by dobroide timber tree falling by matt_beer big bad dogs 5 by robinhood76 horse whinny by inspectorj ocean waves relaxing waves tranquil geo by davidgtr1 canadian horse running by vero marengere horses whinnying by leandiviljoen horse snort by bruno auzet foley natural water jump mono by nox-sound Splashing footsteps by soundmary Support the show

    Exploiting Divides (Ep 4)

  5. Episode 5

    The March to Mexico (Ep 5)

    In Episode 5, Cortes marched inland toward Tenochtitlan and passes through difficult terrain and battles on his way to finding a new and powerful ally. Part 1 - Departing Cempoala Cortes and his men depart the Totonac town of Cempoala and head into the lush highlands of the Sierra Madre. Part 2 - Deserts, Valleys and Volcanoes The Spanish expedition reaches the desert highlands and the men suffer from hypothermia, dehydration and hunger.  Part 3 - The Fight to Tlaxcala Several local people, including the Otomi, attack the Spanish. Part 4 - New Allies in Tlaxcala Cortes makes a powerful new ally. Part 5 - Staying in Tlaxcala The Spanish stay in Tlaxcala for two weeks, recuperating, eating and learning of another Aztec enemy in the four cities of the Tlaxcala Federation. Episode 5 Credits Written, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Intro Coda, acoustic guitar by Valentin Sosnitskiy Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Early Morning Breakup Sustained Light The Gates Are Locked Away by Meydän intro by lost dream  ~ Sound Effects ~ jungle-tropical-birds-and-insects by mikeypme marching by webbfilmsuk walk on dirt road by mikeypme mercado 05 by dobroide timber tree falling by matt_beer big bad dogs 5 by robinhood76 horse whinny by inspectorj canadian horse running by vero marengere horses whinnying by leandiviljoen horse snort by bruno auzet soft wind by florianreichelt walk on dirt road by laurent army marching by craigsmith cold breeze ambiance by siyamahlobo campfire sound by sterckxs forest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfofthesky Support the show

    The March to Mexico (Ep 5)

  6. Episode 6

    Entering the Land of Mexico (Ep 6)

    In Episode 6, Cortes continues his march toward Tenochtitlan with a fateful and violent stop in Cholula. Part 1 - Cholula Cortes and his 400 Spanish soldiers enter Cholula while the nearly 10,000-strong Tlaxcala and Totonac armies wait outside the city. Here they commit one of the worst atrocities ever committed in the Conquest of the New World. Part 2 - Word of the Destruction of Cholula Word of the incomprehensible destruction of Cholula spreads, and with it; fear. Part 3 - Up the Volcano Diego de Ordaz heads the volcano Popocatepetl and gets the first glimpse of Tenochtitlan and Lake Texcoco. Part 4 - Drunk Men Speak Truth Mexica representatives are intercepted by a drunk man who blasts them with his truthful words. Part 5 - Departing Cholula The Cortes Expedition sets out for Tenochtitlan on the final leg of the journey. Part 6 - Chalco The Expedition arrives in the Chalco region, and moves to Moctezuma's doorstep, just two miles from Tenochtitlan. Episode 6 Credits Written, produced and performed by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Away by Meydän Surreal Forrest by Meydän guitar percussion by bangcorrupt Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Sustained Light Breathe The Gates Are Locked intro by lost dream Bountiful by Podington Bear ~ Sound Effects ~ rumble loop by unfa horses by arnaud coutander walk on dirt road by mikeypme horse snort by bruno auzet horses whinnying by leandiviljoen ancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkisto stones falling by iwanPlays orest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfofthesky water-lapping by ceivh93 soft wind by florianreichelt fire 2 by pushtobreak horse whinny by inspectorj coopers hawk by blimp66 walking2-gravel by tec-studio Support the show

    Entering the Land of Mexico (Ep 6)

  7. Episode 7

    Foreigners in Tenochtitlan (Ep 7)

    In Episode 7, Cortes enters the Mexica capital and is welcomed. But things quickly go bad and violence erupts. Part 1 - Entering Tenochtitlan Cortes, his Spanish soldiers and 4 or 5 thousand Tlaxcalan warriors enter Tenochtitlan along the causeway. Part 2 - Meeting Moctezuma Moctezuma emerges from the crowd to welcome Cortes to Tenochtitlan. Part 3 - Guests in the Capital The Spanish are welcomed and granted use of the Palace of Axayacatl, the former Tlatoani. Part 4 - The Hostage Moctezuma In one of history's boldest moves, Cortes takes Moctezuma hostage in his own capital and begins to manipulate the empire. Part 5 - Death of Cualpopoca The indigenous chief of nautla, Cualpopoca is brought to Tenochtitlan for his own execution as a manipulation to undercut Moctezuma's sincerity. Part 6 - Narvaez Arrives on the Coast A Spanish captain arrives to reign in Cortes, who will not go so easy. Part 7 - Festival of Toxcatl Pedro de ALvarado loses control of the capital and caves into his fears, attacking the heart of Mexica nobility. Episode 7 Credits Written, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Fuego de Mateo by downforthecount Away by Meydän Surreal Forrest by Meydän Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Breathe Sustained Light The Gates Are Locked guitar percussion by bangcorrupt Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery Infinite Taiko Drum Sequence by Infinita08 ~ Sound Effects ~ jungle tropical birds and insects by mikevpme rumble loop by unfa horses by arnaud coutander walk on dirt road by mikeypme horse snort by bruno auzet horses whinnying by leandiviljoen ancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkisto stones falling by iwanPlays orest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfofthesky water-lapping by ceivh93 soft wind by florianreichelt fire 2 by pushtobreak horse whinny by inspectorj coopers hawk by blimp66 walking2-gravel by tec-studio Support the show

    Foreigners in Tenochtitlan (Ep 7)

  8. Episode 8

    Fall of Tenochtitlan (Ep 8)

    In Episode 8, Cortes wears out his welcome in Tenochtitlan and sacrifices Moctezuma in a final attempt at saving his ambition: the greatest city in the New World. The Noche Triste, among the most iconic nights in Mexican history, plays out as the Spanish-Tlaxcala army flees the city. Part 1 - Cortes Returns to Tenochtitlan Following the Toxcatl Massacre, which decapitated the Mexica nobility in Cortes' absence, he returns to take command of a bad situation. Part 2 - Death of Moctezuma Holed up and pinned down in Axayactl's palace, Moctezuma is killed. Part 3 - Noche Triste On the most famous evening of the entire Conquest, Cortes and his army try to sneak out of Tenochtitlan. A brutal battle erupts as the Spanish flee on the causeway. Part 4 - Battle of Otumba Pursued for days into the desert, Cortes decides to turn and face the pursuing Mexica army. Part 5 - Struggle in Tenochtitlan The challenges facing the Mexica become apparent once the Spanish are gone. And a plague strikes. Part 6 - Cortes Returns After gathering new forces and healing, Cortes brings a refreshed army to finish the Mexica. Episode 8 Credits Written, researched, performed and produced by Jeremy Lipps. ~ Music ~ Araucanian war song by downforthecount Away by Meydän Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery Daniel Birch, www.danielbirchmusic.com Breathe Sustained Light The Gates Are Locked This Could All Be Gone Tomorrow Fourth Imaginary City by cryptic scenery ~ Sound Effects ~ jungle tropical birds and insects by mikevpme water lapping by celch93 splashing footsteps1 by soundmary foley natural water jump by nox sound horses by arnaud coutander walk on dirt road by mikeypme horse snort by bruno auzet horses whinnying by leandiviljoen arrow cutting through the air by bruno auzet ancient old time battle combat horses snorting... by ylearkisto ambient battle noise swords and shouting by phranzen the rain falls against the parasol by straget stones falling by iwanPlays orest stream between mekhanizatorov settlement and akhtyrka vilage moscow region by halfofthesky water-lapping by ceivh93 rain by idomusics fire 2 by pushtobreak horse whinny by inspectorj walking2-gravel by tec-studio Support the show

    Fall of Tenochtitlan (Ep 8)
See All Season 1 (14)

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About

Mexica: A History Podcast is a nine-episode audio narrative that pulls listeners into the full sensory world of the conquest — the sounds of Tenochtitlan’s crowded markets, the heat of the Yucatan jungle and the chaos of battles. Deeply sourced and carefully told, it brings to life the Mexica, the Tlaxcalans, the Spanish, and the dozens of other peoples caught between worlds colliding.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeremy Lipps
  • Episodes
    14
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mexica: A History Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mexica: A History Podcast

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