Philip Ainsworth Means
History of the Spanish Conquest of Yucatan and of the Itzas
Papers of the Peabody Museum of American Archaeology and Ethnology, Hard University. Vol. VII.
"History of the Spanish Conquest of Yucatan and of the Itzas" by Philip Ainsworth Means is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the events surrounding the Spanish conquest of Yucatan, focusing specifically on the region inhabited by the Itzas. It seeks to piece together the historical narratives from early Spanish manuscripts and accounts to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex interactions between the Spaniards and native peoples. The opening of the text introduces the historical context of the Itzas and the cultural legacy of the Maya prior to Spanish exploration and conquest. Means emphasizes the relevance of translated manuscripts by early authors like Fray Andrés de Avendaño y Loyola, showcasing firsthand accounts of the subjugation of the Itzas. He also highlights the political and social structures of the Itza state during this period, offering insights into their geography and the significance of their resistance against the Spanish incursions. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for examining the intertwining of histories as European powers encountered and altered indigenous civilizations.