DEFENSE QUESTIONS FOR PEDRO DE ALVARADO 

“Your honor, the defense would like to call Pedro de Alvarado to the stand.”
● Please state your name for the record.
Pedro de Alvarado.

● Do you know this man? (points to Hernan Cortes)

Yes.

● What was your relationship like with Hernan Cortes?

I worked with Hernan very closely, and he left me in charge of Tenochtitlan while he was
gone.

● What was this experience like?

It got violent, as I launched a preemptive attack against the Aztecs.

○ Why did you launch a preemptive attack on the Aztecs?

I launched a preemptive attack because I heard rumors of Aztecs planning an
attack against my rule, so I got my men prepared to slaughter, and did so.

○ When did this attack occur?

This attack occurred during an Aztec religious festival.

● Why did Cortes leave you in charge of Tenochtitlan?

Cortes left the city to meet a rival Spanish force on the coast.

● Did Cortes ask or order you to attack the Aztecs during his absence?
No, he did not.

● What happened when Cortes found out about the attack?

I tried to escape the city quietly, but got caught by the Aztecs. Fighting begun, and this is
when I snuck out.

● So, to be clear, Cortes was not pleased with your actions, to the point
where you felt the need to escape?
Yes.

● You’ve said before that Cortes did not want you to launch a preemptive
attack on the Aztecs. Have you ever made other leadership choices without
Cortes’ permission?
No.
No further questions.