Episode
The Dogs of War: Cortés's Forgotten Weapon
- Published
- Jun 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 438
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Summary
In this episode, we explore the role of war dogs—specifically the alano español and lebrel breeds—in Hernán Cortés's conquest of Mexico. While horses and guns often get the spotlight, Spanish mastiffs and greyhounds were deployed as weapons of terror and tactical advantage, especially during the Noche Triste and the siege of Tenochtitlan. We examine specific instances from Bernal Díaz del Castillo's accounts, the Florentine Codex, and the Lienzo de Tlaxcala, where dogs are depicted attacking indigenous warriors. We also discuss how indigenous allies like the Tlaxcalans quickly adapted, using their own dogs and tactics. The episode touches on the broader canine history of Mesoamerica, from the techichi and xoloitzcuintli to the psychological impact of European war dogs. A nuanced look at a often-overlooked aspect of the conquest. #WarDogs #Cortés #AlanoEspañol #Mesopotamia #NocheTriste #Tenochtitlan #BernalDiaz #FlorentineCodex #LienzoDeTlaxcala #Xoloitzcuintli #Techichi #Tlaxcalans #SpanishConquest #Mesoamerica #History #FexingoHistory #Conquistadors #MilitaryHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo