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Science The Definitive Visual Guide First American
Edition Dk Digital Instant Download
Author(s): DK, Robert Dinwiddie, Giles Sparrow, Marcus Weeks, Carole
Stott, Jack Challoner, David Hughes, David Burnie, Adam Hart-Davis (editor)
ISBN(s): 9780756655709, 0756655706
Edition: First American Edition
File Details: PDF, 125.55 MB
Year: 2009
Language: english
THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL GUIDE
 science

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 science
E DI TOR -I N-CH I E F A DAM H ART-DAV I S

THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL GUIDE

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 LONDON, NEW YORK, MELBOURNE,
MUNICH, AND DELHI

Senior Art Editors Senior Editors First American Edition, 2009

Stephen Knowlden, Vicky Short Janet Mohun, Kathryn Wilkinson
Published in the United States by
Section Designers Section Editors DK Publishing
Vivienne Brar, Paul Drislane, Mandy Earey, Ann Baggaley, Kim Dennis-Bryan, 375 Hudson Street
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Designers
Keith Davis, Supriya Sahai, Silke Spingies Editors [ID042—October 2009]
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Illustration Visualizer Frank Ritter, Nikki Sims, Sarah Tomley, Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited
Peter Laws Angela Wilkes All rights reserved

Jacket Designer US Editor Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of
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retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means
Production Controller Production Editors (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise),
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the above publisher of this book.
Picture Researchers Associate Publisher
Ria Jones, Sarah Smithies, Louise Thomas Liz Wheeler Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited

Managing Art Editor Managing Editor A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress
Louise Dick Julie Oughton
ISBN: 978-0-7566-5570-9
Art Director Publisher
Bryn Walls Jonathan Metcalf DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for
sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. For
details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson Street,
New York, New York 10014 or [email protected].

Illustrators
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Tom Coulson and Martin Darlison at Encompass Graphics Ltd. Printed and bound in China by Leo Paper Products Ltd.
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Stuart Jackson Carter, Terry Pastor, and Mick Posen at The Art Agency www.dk.com

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 Editor-in-Chief Adam Hart-Davis
Adam Hart-Davis is a writer, broadcaster, and photographer, and one of the world’s most
popular and respected “explainers” of science. His TV work includes What the Romans,
Victorians, Tudors and Stuarts, and Ancients Did For Us, Tomorrow’s World, Science Shack,
The Cosmos: A Beginner’s Guide, and Just Another Day. He is the author of more than 25
books on science, invention, and history.

Main Consultants
John Gribbin Jeremy Cherfas Marty Jopson David Bradley
Physics Biology Biology Chemistry
Popular science writer, astrophysicist, and Writer and broadcaster in biological subjects, Science communicator and TV broadcaster, Science writer and editorial consultant,
Visiting Fellow in Astronomy at the University with a PhD in animal behavior. with a PhD in plant cell biology. chartered chemist and member of the Royal
of Sussex, UK. Society of Chemistry, UK.

Douglas Palmer Iain Nicolson Barry Lewis

Earth Sciences Astronomy and Space Math
Technology
Science writer and lecturer for the University Formerly Director of Maths Year 2000 and
of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Formerly Principal Lecturer in Astronomy at now President of the Mathematical
Education, UK, specializing in earth science the University of Hertfordshire, UK; writer, Association, UK.
and paleontology. lecturer, and occasional broadcaster on
astronomy and space science.

Contributors
David Burnie Biology and Medicine David Hughes Astronomy Other contributions Ann Baggaley, Hayley
Jack Challoner Physics Giles Sparrow Physics and Space Birch, John Farndon, Andrew Impey, Jane
Robert Dinwiddie Earth Sciences and Technology McIntosh, Sally Regan, Frank Ritter, Mark
Physics Carole Stott Astronomy Steer, Amber Tokeley, Martin Toseland, James
Derek Harvey Biology and Chemistry Marcus Weeks Math and Technology Urquhart, Diana Vowles.

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 1 2
Greek Mathematics

Contents and Geometry

t ARISTOTLE
Ancient Ideas of
34
36

the World 38
Simple Machines 40
THE DAWN OF How Gears Work 42 RENAISSANCE &
SCIENCE t ”EUREKA!”
Floating and Sinking
44
46
ENLIGHTENMENT
PREHISTORY TO 1500 12 Algebra 48
1500–1700 64

Introduction and Water and Wind Power 50 Introduction and Timeline 66

Timeline 14 Alchemy 52 Birth of Experimental
Fire Power
Early Metalworkers
16
18
t ZHANG HENG
Gunpowder and
54
Science
Renaissance Medicine
and Surgery
68

70
Evolution of the Wheel 20 Fire Weapons 56
The Human Body Revealed 72
Elements of Life
Early Medicine
22 The Printing Revolution

t ALHAZEN
58
60 t THE SUN-CENTERED
UNIVERSE 74
and Surgery 24 East Meets West 62 Planetary Motion 76
The First Astronomers 26 Magnetic Fields 80
Ancient Number Systems

t PYTHAGORAS
30
32
t GALILEO GALILEI
Exploring the Skies
82
84

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 3
Motion, Inertia, and Friction 86
t JOSEPH BLACK 148 The Fossil Record 186
Methods of Calculating
Circulation of the Blood
88
90
Organic Chemistry
Plant Life Cycles
150
152
t FINDING
ARCHAEOPTERYX 188

t ROBERT HOOKE
Microscopic Life
92
94
How Plants Work

t THE FIRST
154 Dating the Earth
Shaping the Landscape
190
192
VACCINATION 156 Probability and Statistics 196
Discovery of the Vacuum 96
THE INDUSTRIAL
t ROBERT BOYLE
The Behavior of Gases
98
100 REVOLUTION
Static Electricity

t BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
158
160
t DARWIN’S THEORY
OF EVOLUTION 198

Graphs and Coordinates 102 1700–1890 124 t THE FIRST BATTERY 162 How Evolution Works 200

Newton’s Laws of Motion 104

Electric Current 164
t CHARLES DARWIN 202

t NEWTON’S IDEA OF
GRAVITY 106
Introduction and Timeline

t THE NEWCOMEN
126 Electromagnetism
The Electric Motor
166
168
Laws of Inheritance
Atmospheric Movement
204
206
Gravitational Force 108
ENGINE
Steam Power to
130
t MICHAEL FARADAY 170 Predicting the Weather 208

t ISAAC NEWTON 110 Steam Engine 132

Accurate Measurement 172 Structure of
the Atmosphere 210
Speed and Velocity
The Nature of Light
112
114
t HARRISON’S
CHRONOMETER 134
Calculating and
Computing 174 Studying the Oceans 212
Navigating the Oceans 136 Energy Conversion 176 Animal and Plant Cells 214
Splitting and
Bending Light 116 The Nature of Matter 138 The Nature of Heat 178 Digestion 216
Comets and Meteors 118 Laws of Thermodynamics 180 Food and Health 218
States of Matter 140
Measuring Time 120 Liquids under Pressure 144 The Solar System 182 The Nervous System 220
Classification of Species 122 The Discovery of Gases 146 How Rocks Form 184 The Brain 222

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 4
Muscles, Bones, The Nature of Sound 256 How Cells Divide 306
and Movement 224 Electromagnetic Spectrum 258 Chromosomes and
Human Reproduction 226 Telegraph to Telephone 260 Inheritance 308
Safer Surgery 228 Photography 262 t THE DISCOVERY OF

t MENDELEEV’S TABLE 230

t THOMAS EDISON 264
PENICILLIN
The Development
310

The Periodic Table 232 Capturing Sound 266

THE ATOMIC AGE of Medicines 312
Chemical Reactions 234 Radio and Radio Waves 268
1890–1970 280 Quantum Revolution 314
Speeding Up Reactions
Acids and Bases
236
238
Breathing and Respiration
The Five Senses
270
272 Introduction and Timeline 282
t THE EXPANDING
UNIVERSE 318
Regulating the Body 274 Structure of the Atom 286 The Big Bang 320
Mass Production
of Chemicals
The Spread of Disease
240
242
Animal Behavior
Cycles in the Biosphere
276
278
Chemical Bonds
Taking Flight
288
290
t THE FIRST ATOM BOMB
Fission and Fusion
322
324
Bacteria and Viruses
Natural Defenses
244
246
Vacuum Tubes
The Discovery of X-rays
292
294
t RICHARD FEYNMAN
The Life Cycle of Stars
326
328
Immunization and
Vaccination 248
t MARIE CURIE
Radiation and
296 Ecology and Ecosystems
Conservation Biology
332
334
Artificial Light 250 Radioactivity 298
The Age of Plastics 336
Generating Electricity 252 t EINSTEIN’S EQUATION
Theories of Relativity
300
302
Rocket Propulsion 338
The Internal Galaxies, Clusters,
Combustion Engine 254
t ALBERT EINSTEIN 304 and Superclusters 340

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 5
Codes and Ciphers 342 How Cloning Works 390

t ALAN TURING 344 Nanotechnologies 392

t THE STRUCTURE OF DNA 346

The Genetic code 348
Inside the Solar System 394
Space Probes and
Chaos Theory 350 Telescopes 396
The Structure of the Earth 352
THE Dark Universe 398
REFERENCE 420

t MOVING CONTINENTS 354 INFORMATION Grand Unified Theory 400 Measurement 422
Plate Tectonics 356 AGE String Theory 402 Astronomy 424
Active Earth 358 1970 ONWARD 374 Body Imaging 404 Earth Science 434
Agriculture 362 Biology 440
Introduction and Timeline 376 Modern Surgical
Lasers and Holograms 364 Procedures 406 Chemistry 454
The Internet 378
Microchip Technology 366 Disease Challenges 408
Artificial Intelligence Physics 462
Artificial Satellites 368 and Robotics 380 The Human Genome 410 Mathematics 470
t MOON LANDING 370 Subatomic Particles 382
t JAMES LOVELOCK 412 Who’s Who 476
Manned Space Travel 372
t DOROTHY HODGKIN
Gene Technology
384
386
Global Warming 414 Glossary 486

t IN VITRO
FERTILIZATION (IVF) 388
Renewable Energy

Tackling Climate Change

416
418
Index
Acknowledgments
494
510

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 Foreword
I
have always been fascinated by science, and for the last 15 years by
the history of science; so when I was asked to take part in the
preparation of this book I jumped at the chance.

And here it all is; this superbly illustrated book paints a broad picture of
the whole of science and its history. Arranged in chronological order,
according to when a scientific principle was first laid out or when a
process became technically possible, it begins with the ancient
Babylonians, Chinese, and Greeks, with the idea of the four elements,
and goes all the way through to string theory and space telescopes.

Science is not just a collection of answers, but an ongoing search for the
truth about how the Universe works; it is not merely about the facts, but
also about the struggle to discover them. One scientific idea often leads to
another, and then another. This was especially true of the vacuum:
theories and inventions followed one another rapidly in the mid-17th
century; steam engines were a natural consequence in the 18th, cathode-
ray tubes in the 19th, and today we have many more pieces of vacuum
technology. The book is divided into five chapters, from the dawn of
science through to the present day. Each chapter has its own timeline to
help you find the various threads that make up that particular period.

Scientific ideas often occur to more than one person at a time, which has
led to some disputes—over the invention of calculus, for example, or the
discovery of oxygen. All these events are included. Alongside the ideas
and theories in this book are the people who dreamed them up, from
Pythagoras and Aristotle to Einstein and Marie Curie. There are double-
page biographies of 19 major characters, and around 100 features on
other great pioneers, from Eratosthenes to Richter. At the end of the book
is a 54-page reference section, including brief biographies of all the major
scientists, past and present, plus a plethora of scientific facts.

Because of its sheer size and complexity, this is the toughest book I have
ever worked on, and it would never have been completed without a small
army of writers, editors, designers, artists, and picture researchers. I thank
them all, but particularly Janet Mohun and her team in the DK office.

Adam Hart-Davis

10

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 THE DAWN OF SCIENCE
1
PREHISTORY TO 1500
The ancient world saw the first breakthrough moments in science,
as the coming of age of great civilizations from Egypt to Babylon
proved a decisive spur to invention, people learned to write,
and scholars from Aristotle to Zeno had time and space to
think deeply about the world around them.

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 P R E H I STORY TO 1500

THE DAWN OF SCIENCE

PREHISTORY TO 1500
14000 BCE 3000 BCE 2000 BCE 1000 BCE
14000 BCE c.3000 BCE c.2000 BCE c.670 BCE
First pots created in Acupuncture needles First wheels with Hippocrates
Japan. first used in China. spokes made. Baked establishes medical
Babylonians create a bricks used for school on the Greek
number system based important public island of Cos.
on 60; it survives in buildings in c.600 BCE
the way hours and Mesopotamia. Oldest known world
minutes are map drawn by 

Map by Herodotus,
measured today. Babylonians. c.450 

Early acupuncture chart  Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq 



Ancient Egyptian
astronomical calendar



Egyptian figurine Pythagoras of Samos 

c.5500 BCE 
Jomon bowl c.2700 BCE 
16th-century abacus 1500 BCE 500 BCE
Copper smelting Abacus first appears Oldest known Babylonian
begins in the Balkans in Mesopotamia and astronomical calendar astronomers note an
and West Asia. becomes widely used created in Egypt. eclipse cycle known
c.3500–3200 BCE for calculations. as the Saros.
In Mesopotamia solid 495 BCE
wheels used for Pythagoras introduces
transportation. the concept of
mathematical
proof.


Mesopotamian chariot
on the Standard of Ur

c.1300 BCE c.400 BCE c.350 BCE

Vertical obelisks used Empedocles states Aristotle provides
as clocks and that all matter is scientific evidence
compasses in Egypt. composed of four that Earth is a sphere.
Egyptians making elements: fire, earth,
objects in faience water, and air.
c.3400 BCE (ceramics).
Ring of standing 

Early plank wheel
stones erected and
used as an
astronomical calendar 

Earth’s curved shadow
at Callanish, Scotland. 

Callanish stones cast on the Moon

c.2500 BCE c.1100 BCE 
Chinese bronze vessel

Chariots with solid Bronze cast in
wheels used in battle furnaces in China.
in Mesopotamia.

14

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 T H E DAW N O F SC I E N C E

As empires rose and fell, from Egypt to China, the practical demands of everything from accurate calendars to tax and land inheritance calculations
the first great cities and armies stimulated a wave of inventions—bronze prompted the first great stirrings of science. At the same time early
for making tools and weapons, wheels for moving loads and milling grain, stargazers such as Hipparchus were mapping the night sky with
gears for making machines, and the water and windmills to power those astonishing precision, and brilliant scholars such as Euclid and
machines. Meanwhile, the administrative needs of the new rulers for Al-Khwarizmi were laying the foundations of mathematics.

300 BCE 100 CE 700 CE 1000

c.300 BCE c.200 BCE c.100 c.700
The idea of longitude Hindu–Arabic Sculpture of Atlas The alembic for
put on a map by numerals and decimal shows the oldest distillation invented
Dicaearchus of system evolve into a known representation in Persia.
Messana. Euclid recognizable ancestor of the celestial globe.
establishes the basic of our modern
principles of geometry numerals.
in The Elements.



Woodcut depicting 
Chinese map of

Archimedes’ discovery the constellations



Diagram of eye from 1279

the Book of Optics Pierre de Maricourt
records the basic facts
c.1011–21 of magnetism.
Alhazen writes his
Book of Optics.
1000
Windmills with vertical
sails first used to drive
machinery.


Wooden post mills

c.240 BCE 132 

2nd-century sculpture 705

Archimedes discovers Zhang Heng invents of Atlas holding Map of the
the globe
how to measure the the first seismometer, constellations drawn
volume of irregular- which could not only in China.
shaped objects. detect a distant
Eratosthenes earthquake but also
formulates a system indicate in which
for finding prime direction it occurred.
numbers, known as
the sieve of
Eratosthenes.

World map by Ptolemy 
Early Chinese rocket

230 BCE c.160 BCE 1154

Earliest evidence of Hipparchus maps the Earliest known
geared mechanisms positions of about mechanical clock built
being used in China. 1,000 stars and in Damascus, Syria.
calculates how far 1202
Earth is from the Sun. Fibonacci publishes
Liber Abaci, proposing
calculations using
zero to nine and


Chinese chariot
place value.
with early gearing
mechanism Fibonacci 

150 c.800 c.900 1321

World map drawn by Gunpowder invented Abulcasis develops Mondino de Liuzzi
Ptolemy. He also in China. Hindu the ligature technique performs the world’s
divides the stars into symbol for zero in surgery. first public dissection.
48 constellations. adopted in the Middle c.1440
c.300 East. Persian Johannes Gutenberg
Mayans develop a mathematician creates the first
number system based Al-Khwarizmi invents Western European
on the numbers five algebra and the rules printing press.
and 20, with symbols for solving equations.
that include zero.

Gutenberg Bible

15

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 P R E H I S TO R Y TO 1 5 0 0

F ire is a chemical reaction between a

fuel, such as wood, coal, or oil, and
oxygen in the air; it usually gives off
and discolor are visible as flames and
smoke. A fire generally sustains itself
until it has exhausted the supply of
Making fire
Heat is needed to start
a fire. One common
energy in the form of heat and light. fuel or oxygen. method of creating
This can be harnessed and used to heat is by friction:
here, a stick is being
positive effect. The reaction starts Early humans and fire rotated fast on a piece
when the fuel is ignited, either Charcoal and burned bones from of wood until a
naturally or by human effort by several African sites suggest people glowing ember
another fire, a spark, or heat. Particles may have controlled and used fire as is created.
of burning materials and ash that glow early as 1.5 million years ago and
certainly by 400,000 years ago. For the
last 100,000 years fire has been in
common use. Control over fire brought
B EF O R E many benefits, including the ability to
live in colder regions and protection
against predators. People’s diet was
In certain circumstances fire occurs improved by eating cooked food, controlled burning to clear vegetation,
naturally. Humans in prehistory saw its roasted over a fire or baked in the facilitating hunting and the growth of
potential and learned to control its power. embers. Fire also provided a social useful plants.
focus. Some groups used torches
TECHNOLOGY or lit fires to stampede animals Fired clay
By 2.5 million years ago, when they began into places where they could be Using clay in domestic hearths
making stone tools, early humans had trapped and killed. led people to discover the
understood that they could alter the natural From the earliest times transformative power of fire on
world to their own advantage. By employing when open fires were lit, clay. This knowledge was used
tools they could extend their abilities. people began to develop to create figurines of baked clay.
hearths, often ringed by Later, the technology was
FIRE’S POTENTIAL stones. After 40,000 BCE developed further, to produce
When early humans encountered naturally more efficient hearths with pottery. Prepared clay was
occurring bush fires, they came to appreciate not clay surrounds and air- mixed with a temper, such as
only fire’s power to destroy the landscape and intake channels were
everything in it, but also its potential as a source invented to control and
of heat, light, and defense, and as a tool for increase heat. Simple lamps Dolni Vestonice Venus
The Palaeolithic inhabitants of the Czech site of
shaping the world. were made from stones with a
Dolni Vestonice produced many human and
natural hollow: in this animal fat animal figurines c.20,000 years ago, including this
was burned, using a plant-fiber example, modeled from a mixture of clay and
wick. Some groups began carbonized bone before being baked.

Fire Power
Fire is a terrifying and potentially devastating natural phenomenon. Early mastery of fire
offered many benefits to humankind including protection against wild animals, heat that
enabled them to spread into cooler regions, and the ability to cook food.

IN PRACTICE

FIRED BRICKS
Clay, as daub or sun-dried bricks, was an
important ancient building material. For
more durable and impressive structures, the
technology of ceramic production was used
to make baked bricks. Hand- or mold-
formed, the bricks were allowed to dry, then
fired in large stacks encased in fuel.
Fired-brick buildings and walls defended
people from enemies and the elements. In
the 3rd millennium BCE, the Harappans in
the Indus Valley used baked bricks to protect
against flooding, and for wells and bathroom
floors, while the Mesopotamians used them
for public buildings such as the ziggurat
(stepped temple-mound) of Ur, Iraq (right).

16

86BB)LUHLQGG 

 F I R E POWER

BREAKTHROUGH

FAIENCE AND GLASS

Before 4000 BCE people in western Eurasia
began producing faience objects, such as
this Egyptian figurine (c.1300 BCE). This
precursor to glass was made with silica, such
as quartz sand, mixed with a stabilizer (lime)
and an alkaline flux (often soda). The paste,
colored with copper oxide, was shaped,
Jomon pot then heated to about 1500–1800º F
The world’s first pots were created in Japan around (850–1000º C), causing the grains inside
14,000 BCE and soon developed into a well-made the paste to sinter (adhere) and the object’s
product, Jomon ware, of which this pedestaled bowl surface to fuse as a thin glaze.
is a late example. From c.1600 BCE, furnaces reaching higher
temperatures enabled a similar mixture to
be melted into a viscous liquid, true glass.
sand, to toughen it. After shaping, pots During the first millennium BCE in the Levant,
were left to dry and then were fired in glassblowing was invented, revolutionizing
a clamp (bonfire kiln). The pots were the production of glass.
stacked on and covered with a layer
of fuel, then sealed by a layer of clay.
Holes in the top and around the sides
allowed air to circulate so the fuel
would burn. More permanent kilns
“ When the earth was young…
appeared from c.6000 BCE in western
Asia. A fired vessel’s color depended
on the type of clay and the firing
human beings… did not know
conditions: circulating air produced
reddish hues, while the absence of air
yet how to enlist the aid of fire.”
turned the pottery black. LUCRETIUS (TITUS LUCRETIUS CARUS), ROMAN PHILOSOPHER , C.100–C.55 BCE
The pyrotechnical skills needed to
control kiln temperature and air flow
and to achieve high temperatures, was cooked in an animal skin or
coupled with a growing knowledge skin-lined pit containing water by AF TER
of other natural materials, were the adding heated stones. The invention
prerequisites for the development of of pottery made boiling easier: fire
other transformational industries, could be applied directly to the vessel of Mastery of fire has enabled civilizations to
including metallurgy and glassmaking. food and water. Unleavened bread was transform the world, through technology
cooked on hot stones or pottery dishes and controlled destruction.
Cuisine over the fire. Clay ovens appeared
Fire made food easier to chew, more from the sixth millennium BCE, heated DIET
digestible and often more palatable, by lighting a fire inside. Over the last 2,000
and improved human health by killing Through time, people experimented years people have
bacteria and parasites. Heat enabled with different ways of cooking. Bread developed ever more
foodstuffs to be preserved for later use and cakes were leavened with yeast, elaborate ways of
by drying or smoking, and was used to which created CO2 , causing the preparing food and
remove or neutralize poisons present dough to rise; cooking hardened combining ingredients,
in foodstuffs. By 40,000 BCE some food the risen form. using heat in
increasingly
sophisticated ways. MEDIEVAL KITCHEN

◁ Controlling fire TRANSFORMING MATERIALS

Harnessing the power of fire was an Heat has been used to transform many
important part of the development of materials, including metal ores 18–19 ❯❯.
civilization and has influenced every Advances in ceramics include metallic glazes
part of human life. and kilns capable of achieving higher and better
controlled temperatures than before.

HARNESSING ENERGY
A broadening range of fuels, including coal and
Egyptian figure natural gas, have been used to create heat and
This figurine (c.2500 BCE) power. Applications include sophisticated ways
shows a servant girl of heating, such as Roman hypocausts
grinding grain into flour to (underfloor heating). Steam power brought
be baked in bread. about Europe’s Industrial Revolution.

SEE ALSO ❯❯
pp.18–19 E M  
pp.132–33 S P   S E  

17

86BB)LUHLQGG 

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confidence momentarily increasing, the commander at length gave
the order to the impatient horsemen, who swept forward instantly
like an avalanche, and as if the hills indeed had fallen on them the
affrighted Quichés scattered. Mad Ajax among the defenceless sheep
took not more lives than did each Spaniard on that day. Like sheep
the poor natives scattered, and like sheep they were pursued and
slaughtered.[XXIII-7]
A league farther brought the thirsty troops to some springs, but the
period of refreshment was short. At hand was a yet more formidable
native force, led by Prince Ahzumanche, one of the highest among
the relatives and officers of the king.
The engagement which followed was exceptionably bloody. The
Quichés approached over the extensive plains, and when they had
arrived at a position favorable for the Spaniards to make the attack
the horsemen charged upon them. But the Quichés were better on
their guard than before. Recovered from their panic, and animated
by the example of their leader, they displayed greater bravery this
time, standing the shock unflinchingly,[XXIII-8] fighting foot to foot,
or banded two and three together, endeavoring by their own
strength to overthrow the horses, seizing them by mane and tail,
and trying to pull them down, and laying hold of the riders to
unhorse them. The Spaniards were indeed closely beset, and for a
time it seemed by no means certain that victory would finally declare
for them. But what naked power could long withstand the steady fire
of arquebuse and cross-bow, the steady fall of sword-blow and
lance-thrust!
Relaxing their efforts for a moment, the natives were charged by the
cavalry with deadly result, and were trampled under foot by
hundreds, and speedily routed. For a league they were followed with
great havoc, till they took refuge in a stronghold of the sierra. By
pretending flight, however, Alvarado drew them from their position
to the open plain, and then wheeled and fell upon them. The
carnage for a time was dreadful; the ground was covered with the
mangled bodies of the dead and dying, and the waters of the
Olintepec ran crimson with blood. And henceforth the stream was
called Xequiqel, that is to say, River of Blood.[XXIII-9]
Among the fallen was Prince Ahzumanche, and a number of the
nobility and chiefs. The contest being over, the army encamped for
the night at the springs before mentioned. The loss to the Spaniards,
as usual, was insignificant.[XXIII-10]

A MAGNIFICENT
PRIZE.
Let us pause for a moment to review the
position of the invaders. They had surmounted
with irresistible progress the coast range, had crossed the summit,
fought their way down the corresponding slopes, and were within a
league of Xelahuh, the great stronghold of the Quichés, on their
western confines. All the defences to it had been won, the Zacaha
fortifications had been carried, passive nature's majestic
guardianship had been overcome, and human opposition had proved
futile. Far behind them stood the deadly forest through which they
had struggled; over the golden-edged hills, the rugged steep by
which they had made their way hither. Around them now were open
pine woods,[XXIII-11] and at their feet the wide cultivated plains of
the table-lands on which the sun shed its uninterrupted rays. Dotted
with towns and parti-colored with maize-fields and orchards, silver-
threaded by streams, the landscape displayed before the Spaniards
the picture of a paradise. And this beautiful realm now lay helpless in
the conqueror's grasp, its very air[XXIII-12] becoming traitorous by
refreshing and invigorating the invaders, bracing their nerves and
inspiring their hearts to new enterprise.

At dawn the Spanish camp was astir; and while the voices of
Christian priests chanting praises to God for past victories floated
over the hideous battle-field, Christian soldiers were buckling on
their armor for the further butchering of helpless human beings who
had done them no harm. A hermitage and a town were established
at Zacaha, the former under the charge of Friar Francisco Martinez
de Pontaza,[XXIII-13] whose memory was ever after fragrant in those
parts, the latter under the direction of Juan de Leon Cardona.[XXIII-
14] The natives of the subjugated neighborhood finally came in and
helped to swell the numbers of the town, which was called
Quezaltenango.[XXIII-15]

These measures taken,[XXIII-16] the army advanced on Xelahuh,

[XXIII-17] only to find it abandoned. The inhabitants, terror-stricken
at the success of the invaders, had fled to the mountains. Alvarado
took up his quarters in the deserted city, where for six days he
remained, resting and reconnoitring.[XXIII-18]
Tecum Umam was an ambitious prince and a
THE GRAND ARMY.
brave commander. With no small concern he had
seen defeated one after another the forces sent
against the foe, and he now resolved to take the field in person.
About noon on the seventh day of their sojourn at Xelahuh the
Spaniards saw converging to that point from every quarter dense
masses of warriors.[XXIII-19] Well aware that his great strength lay in
the cavalry, Alvarado with a large part of his force[XXIII-20] hastened
to occupy an open plain, three leagues in length, at no great
distance from the city. Tecum Umam was shrewd enough to
comprehend the manœuvre, and before the last Spaniard was a
bow-shot from camp the Quiché army in two principal divisions was
upon them. Alvarado had divided his cavalry into two bodies,
commanded respectively by Pedro Puertocarrero and Hernando de
Chaves, who were directed to assail at different points one of the
opposing bodies when well in position, while the infantry,
commanded by himself, were to engage with the other. The onset
was terrible. Through and through the dense columns rush the
horsemen, heedless alike of the flint-tipped arrow, the javelin with
fire-hardened point, and the slung pebble. Resistance was not
possible. Plunged through and hurled to earth, crushed beneath the
horses' hoofs, the broken ranks of this division sought the protection
of the other. Thus half of Tecum's last hope was lost, while the other
half was fast dwindling. Early in the combat the Quiché king had
recognized the conspicuous figure of the mounted Spanish
commander, and as Tecum now saw his forces broken by the cavalry,
he determined upon one last desperate effort. Gathering around him
a few chosen warriors, he threw himself in person upon Alvarado,
and with his own hand so wounded his horse that the Spaniard was
obliged to fall back and mount another. A second and a third time
the undaunted warrior assailed his superior foe, till pierced by
Alvarado's lance he fell, staining with his life-blood the ground he
had fought so bravely to defend.
It was not often that the heavenly powers deigned to help the poor
natives in their dire struggle with the steel-clad Europeans, as was
so frequently the case with the Spaniards. The gods usually prefer
fighting on the strongest side; but here we find an exception. It is
my duty to relate, as a truthful historian, that during the mortal
combat between these two leaders an eagle with great pinions was
observed by the Quiché army circling round and round the Spanish
commander, ever and anon swooping down upon him, and with beak
and claw attacking him about the head. It was the nagual, the
guardian spirit of Tecum Umam. But less strong than Alvarado's
lance, it was discomfited at the moment of the monarch's death, and
disappeared from the sight of the vanquished Quichés.[XXIII-21]
Contrary to the usual course pursued by natives in warfare, the fall
of their commander did not immediately disperse the Quiché
warriors, but seemed rather to enrage them; for the moment after
there fell upon the Spaniards such a blinding tempest of javelins as
would have delighted the Spartan Dieneces. It was but for a
moment, however; it was their last expiring effort, for soon the
cavalry came thundering on their flanks, dispersing and slaying after
the usual fashion. For two leagues along the plain they were
pursued by the horsemen, who then turned and rode back,
repeating the carnage over the same field. The slaughter was
particularly bloody at a stream on one side of the plain, and the
commander proudly refers to it in his despatch.[XXIII-22] The infantry
captured a vast multitude which had taken refuge from the insatiate
horsemen on a hill near by.
Thus ended another day in the annals of the grand extermination, a
day dark indeed for the noble Quiché nation, but of which European
progress and propagandizing might well be proud.[XXIII-23]
By this crushing defeat the Quichés were
PERSUASIVE
PROSELYTING.
humbled and their confidence in their deities,
not to say themselves, was weakened. Though
in great grief at the loss of their chief and the triumph of the
Spaniards, an opportunity was given them through the preaching of
the priests Torres and Pontaza to embrace the religion of their
conquerors. Four captive chieftains[XXIII-24] of Xelahuh were
baptized and received their liberty. Christian raiment with swords
was then given them and they were entertained at the table of
Alvarado.[XXIII-25] After this they were sent out as missionaries to
their affrighted brethren, bringing quite a number to a knowledge of
the Savior. They also aided in erecting a more suitable hermitage at
Zacaha, and in building houses for the Donatís.[XXIII-26] Nay more;
in their growing enthusiasm they suggested that the place where
Tonatiuh had gained his crowning victory, and over which still hung
the odor of corruption and blood, the blood of their slain
countrymen, should be called by the name of Espíritu Santo.
 CHAPTER XXIV.
DOWNFALL OF THE QUICHÉ NATION.

April, 1524.

Utatlan, Capital of the Quichés—Its Magnificence—The Royal Palace and Pyramidal

Fortifications—Private Apartments and Gardens—Plan to Entrap the Spaniards—A
Feast Prepared—The Enemy Invited—The Treachery Discovered—Masterly Retreat of
Alvarado—The Quiché King and Nobles Entrapped—They are Made to Gather Gold—
And are then Destroyed—Utatlan Burned and the Country Devastated—Subjugation of
the Quichés Complete.

Upon the central plateau, near the present town of Santa Cruz del
Quiché, stood Utatlan,[XXIV-1] the ancient capital of the Quiché
nation. It was surrounded by a deep ravine, and could be entered
only at two points. To one of these entrances over thirty stone steps
led up an almost perpendicular cliff; to the other a narrow artificial
causeway, connected at one point by a bridge which could be easily
destroyed. The city was further strengthened by the grim fortress of
Atalaya, four stories in height, and the pyramidal fortification of El
Resguardo,[XXIV-2] one hundred and twenty feet high. In wealth and
splendor Utatlan, in which twenty generations of the present dynasty
had reigned, vied with the city of the Aztec kings and the gardened
capital of the Incas. In its centre stood the royal palace, surrounded
by the imposing residences of the nobles, and beyond, the humbler
dwellings of the common people. The palace was one of the most
magnificent structures of Central America. It was built of hewn stone
of various colors, mosaic in appearance, and its colossal dimensions,
and elegant and stately architectural form, excited mingled awe and
admiration.[XXIV-3]
Within the lofty portals the quarters of the household guards,
surrounding a spacious barrack yard, were first presented to view.
Dusky warriors, lancers, and archers, clad in wildly picturesque garbs
of dappled tiger-skins or sombre bear-hides, in brilliant plumes and
polished arms, with silent tread measured the well paved court. In
the principal apartments near at hand the various arms and
paraphernalia of battle lay ready for immediate use, while on the
walls hung hard-won trophies of war. Next lay the residence of the
unmarried princes, and beyond this the palace proper, containing
besides the apartments of the monarch the council-chamber, with
the gorgeous throne canopied with costly tapestry of feather work of
rare designs and wrought with cunning skill; also the royal treasury,
the hall of justice, and the armory. Three separate suites of rooms,
for morning, afternoon, and night, were each day occupied by the
monarch, and all these more private apartments looked out upon
delightful gardens, with trees, and flowers, and fruits, and in their
midst menageries and aviaries, with rare and curious collections.
Beyond lay the separate palaces of the monarch's queens and
concubines, with their baths, and gardens, and miniature lakes; and
lastly the maidens' college, in which were reared and educated the
female offspring of royal blood.
And all this was but one pile of buildings, the largest, it is true; but
there were others of no mean pretensions, the residences of the
nobles and of the wealthy trading class. Of a truth Utatlan was a fine
city, and a strong and noble one. And must it now be yielded to the
spoiler? Is there no hope? None. Then perish all, for who would live
with king and country gone; and with its occupants, also this fair
capital which so long has harbored kings. Ah! if this strong trap
could but be baited, and the white foxes enticed thereto and
strangled. Rare thought! It were worth dying a dozen times to see
these braggarts but once die. And so the Quiché cunning ones
determined. In general council it was agreed that the Spaniards
should be invited to a feast, and while there the city should be
burned and brought down upon their heads!
By the death of Tecum Umam his son Oxib
OXIB QUIEH
SUCCEEDS TECUM Quieh[XXIV-4] succeeded to the throne. His
UMAM. situation was not an enviable one. The best
troops, in fact the very flower of the nation, had
been destroyed or scattered. His father, with numbers of the first
men of the land, had fallen, without having in a single instance
gained a battle or baffled the foe. Their puny efforts were as gnats
stinging or destroying a band of wild boars.
Yet the grandson of the great Kicab Tanub would not abandon the
field without a struggle. The council might burn the city if they
chose. And though their hopes and the prospects of success were
great, the king and his nobles relaxed none the less their efforts to
raise fresh troops. Should the plan fail, they would again take the
field. Not only did Oxib Quieh draw all the forces possible from his
own provinces, but he adopted every means to smooth the
differences that existed between himself and the neighboring
provinces. By these exertions at length a strong league was formed,
and again the natives in formidable numbers were ready to do battle
for their gods and their country at the proper moment.
These preparations completed, an embassy with presents of gold
was despatched to greet the conqueror, to sue for peace, and to
tender their king's submission as vassal to the king of Spain.
Alvarado was also invited to the court of Utatlan, where the king was
waiting to offer in person his allegiance and entertain with all due
honor the redoubtable Spaniard. Alvarado graciously accepted both
the presents and the invitation, and made presents in return, and on
the following day set out with his army to pay the promised visit. It
was quite natural on both sides, the invitation and the acceptance.
Here were war and a conquered country; here the conquered with
overtures of peace; and so the Spaniards marched into the trap
without suspicion.
But as they passed along the narrow causeway
THE PLOT
DISCOVERED. and came to the bridge, certain soldiers[XXIV-5]
fancied they saw where it had been recently
weakened. When the attention of Alvarado was called to it he made
no alarm, nor did he turn a moment from his course. He relished the
flavor of such an adventure, and grasping his sword the tighter he
commanded the strictest caution and the closest observation. On
entering the city the suspicions of the Spaniards were confirmed.
The men were armed; the women and children had been withdrawn;
there were few provisions at hand and little valuable merchandise in
the storehouses; in many buildings throughout the city brush and
firewood had been deposited, while the anxiety displayed in the
uneasy deportment of the natives themselves could not be
disguised. It was observed, too, that the streets were so narrow and
the houses so compact that it would be impossible for the cavalry to
move; and lastly, the Quezaltenango allies who accompanied the
Spaniards obtained and brought to Alvarado positive information of
the intentions of the Quiché chiefs.[XXIV-6]
Not only are prompt measures now necessary, but they must be
such as will not arouse the suspicions of a most suspicious foe,
whose keen eyes are watching every movement. Without formally
summoning a council Alvarado moves in holiday mien among his
officers, dropping here a hint and laying there a stern command;
meanwhile, outwardly undisturbed, he rides forward into the nest of
nobles awaiting him and greets them with a frank smile amid
renewed protestations of friendship. This done he looks about for
the disposal of the horses. They are worshipful brutes, in some
respects the equals and even the superiors of men; they are not
given to feasting like men, but they must not be forgotten at the
feast. Their greatest delight will be to feed upon the open plain; he
will conduct them there and return without delay. Greatly
disconcerted the nobles press the Tonatiuh to immediate
entertainment, which even now awaits him; under the direction of
the soldiers they will provide the best care for the noble animals. By
no means, Alvarado intimates; the horses will never forgive him if he
neglects them on so important an occasion. Thus all the Spaniards
return over the causeway, and the weakened bridge, and with a
feeling of intense relief reach the plain in safety.
Now for a sweet morsel of revenge. While gathering grass for the
horses the soldiers are fired on from the ravines and thickets, and
one Spaniard, a servant of the commander, is killed. The king and
his nobles, who remain near the city entrance, on witnessing the
outrage from this distance are distressed, and take measures to
prevent hostile demonstrations on the part of their people. Alvarado
pretends to regard it all as of no moment, and continues his attitude
of confidence and cordiality with the chiefs. It is unfortunate, this
accident of the servant; but after what has happened probably the
feast had better be postponed. As a further mark of friendship and
esteem, will Oxib Quieh and his companions look in upon the camp
of the Spaniards? Poor boy! So easily caught, and in a trap, a steel
one, quite different from the bungling bridge-drop at Utatlan. Now
may all men open their eyes and judge as gods, for these present
must die!
The mask is thrown aside, and the avenger in his wrath stands
revealed. Oxib Quieh and his caciques are seized and charged with
their treacherous intentions. Their condemnation is a matter
predetermined, but execution is delayed a little that the tiger may
sport with his prey. Little gold has been gathered on this expedition,
and it may be well to put upon the scene in Guatemala the grand
drama of Montezuma not long since performed at the Mexican
capital. The prisoners shall have their lives if they gather much gold.
This done, they shall have their lives if they gather more gold. And
when the kingdom is stripped of its gold and the Spaniards become
impatient, a great fire is built, into which those of the prisoners who
are not hanged are thrown alive; and the smoke ascends to heaven
as grateful incense to their god.[XXIV-7]
Notwithstanding these merciless lessons, during
COURAGE OF THE
QUICHÉS.
which three of the Quiché kings, of three several
generations in direct line of succession, had
been sacrificed, hostilities were speedily renewed. A fierce attack
was made on all sides, the natives issuing in great numbers from the
many ravines which intersected the neighboring ground, and the
assault was obstinately maintained for some time; but the
artillery[XXIV-8] committed such dreadful destruction, opening
through their dense masses lanes strewn with mutilated bodies and
torn-off limbs, that they speedily recognized the futility of their
attempts, and fled back to the gulches. Keeping ever to inaccessible
ground, and avoiding open engagement,[XXIV-9] they harassed the
army incessantly, by cutting off stragglers and inflicting harm in any
way that they were able. At length Alvarado determined upon the
plan of burning their city and devastating the country; and he sent
to the friendly king of the Cakchiquels, requesting a contingent of
troops to assist him in dislodging the Quichés from their fastnesses.
Four thousand warriors were at once sent[XXIV-10] by the submissive
lord, with which additional force, and the energetic measures he
pursued, Alvarado carried on the process of subjection with effect.
The warlike Quichés, their city burned,[XXIV-11] their crops
destroyed, hunted from one retreat to another, driven from their
lands, at length were forced to yield. Alvarado received their
overtures with generosity. He pardoned the repentant in his great
mercy, and promised them their lives, at the same time ordering
them to return and occupy their lands. He moreover released two
captive sons of the royal line and put them in possession of their
father's realm, the leading monarch being named Sequechul.[XXIV-12]
Thus was terminated for a time the struggle of the
ENSLAVEMENT.
Quichés for independence—a struggle that ceased
only with the destruction of their principal nobility
and all the bravest warriors of the nation. To their obstinate valor the
conqueror himself bears testimony,[XXIV-13] and recognizing the
difficulties of his position, and how man of himself can do so little,
he begs Cortés to order in the Mexican capital a procession of all the
clergy, so that the virgin might help him. And further, would he
"please take care to inform his Majesty how we are serving him with
our persons and means, and at our own cost, in order that his
Majesty may reward us?" Nor did the lieutenant fail to report that his
majesty's interests had been carefully attended to, all captives taken
in the war having been branded and reduced to slavery.[XXIV-14] The
royal fifth of these captive Quichés had been delivered to the
treasurer, Baltasar de Mendoza, who sold them at auction for the
better security of the revenue.
 CHAPTER XXV.
THE CAKCHIQUELS AND ZUTUGILS MADE SUBJECTS OF SPAIN.

April-May, 1524.

March to the Cakchiquel Capital—With a Brilliant Retinue King Sinacam Comes forth to
Meet the Spaniards—Description of Patinamit—Occupation of the Cakchiquel Capital
—Expedition against Tepepul, King of the Zutugils—The Cliff City of Atitlan—A
Warm Battle—Entry into the Stronghold—Reconciliation and Return to Patinamit—
Love Episode of Alvarado.

The lieutenant-general was now ready to

SINACAM GREETS
THE SPANIARDS.
advance, and on the 11th of April, 1524, he left
Utatlan for Patinamit, the capital of the
Cakchiquels.[XXV-1] The weak and yielding Sinacam,[XXV-2] king of
the Cakchiquels, had already sent with his troops a present of gold
to Alvarado, and renewed his assurances of allegiance. He now
prepared to meet him with such stately pomp as would be sure to
gratify his future master. By this means he hoped his tottering
throne might be secured to him. Servility and profuse hospitality
would surely win their hearts, he thought; and then, with the
powerful strangers on his side, he might laugh at his enemies. As
the Spanish army approached his capital he issued forth with native
pageantry to meet it. He was borne aloft by his nobles on a litter,
beneath a canopy which dazzled the eye with blazing ornaments of
gold and changing hues of quetzal feathers, and round him were the
members of the royal family in litters scarcely less conspicuous than
his own, while a large body of warriors, with their plumed head-
dresses and warlike apparel, marched in the rear and on either side.
Alvarado's greeting was not of that unalloyed cordiality which
Sinacam had hoped. The Spaniard was suspicious. He had but just
escaped destruction, and the late danger had taught him discretion.
What he had observed on the march had not tended to inspire
confidence or promote peace of mind. All along the route despoiled
corpses of slain Indians had met his sight, and the ground was
discolored with human blood. Large bands of armed warriors were
everywhere seen, and it was evident that the whole country was in
arms. But fear was no part of Alvarado's character; therefore, when
the king came near, he calmly dismounted, approached him with
courteous mien, and with expressions of esteem placed in his hands
a rare and curious piece of silver jewelry; then he asked with sombre
brow, "Why dost thou seek to do me harm, when I come to do thee
good?" Informed of the meaning of the words so seriously
addressed to him, and conscious of his own faithful intentions,
Sinacam, with calm yet somewhat severe dignity thanked him first
for the present, replying, "Quiet thy heart, great captain, scion of the
sun, and trust in my love." It was then explained to Alvarado that
the warlike demonstrations he had discovered were directed against
a rebellious vassal, who, with the aid of the kings of the Quichés and
the Zutugils, had revolted and attempted to make himself a ruler.
[XXV-3]

Alvarado professed to be satisfied, and permitted

PATINAMIT.
himself to be escorted by the monarch to the
capital.[XXV-4] Patinamit,[XXV-5] like Utatlan, was
situated in a naturally impregnable position. It occupied an elevated
plain, surrounded by ravines, the side of which nearest the city was
perpendicular to a depth of five or six hundred feet. Across this
chasm, at one point only, could entrance into the capital be gained,
by means of a narrow causeway, which was closed by two gateways
of stone,[XXV-6] one on each side of the city wall. This isolated
plateau was about three miles long and two broad. The chronicler
Fuentes describes the remains of this city with much minuteness,
leaving vivid impressions of its former grandeur. On one edge of the
natural platform, according to that writer, were the ruins of a
magnificent building one hundred paces square, of extremely well
hewn stone. In front of this edifice extended a plaza, on one side of
which were the remains of a splendid palace, and in close proximity
the foundations of many residences. The city was divided by a ditch
running north and south, more than eight feet deep, and
surmounted by concrete breastworks three feet high. This was the
dividing line between the dwellings of the nobles and those of the
commoners. The streets were straight and wide, and extended in
the direction of the four cardinal points. To the west was a mound
dominating the city, on the summit of which stood a round building
five to six feet high, resembling the breastwork of a well. Around this
the judges held courts; but before their sentences could be executed
they had to be confirmed by the sacred oracular stone, which was
preserved in a shrine in a deep gulch. It is described as of a black
diaphanous material, more precious than the ordinary building
material. In its gloomy transparency the demon made visible the
judgments that were to be passed. If no manifestation occurred, the
accused was released; otherwise the sentence was carried into
effect on the same mound where the judges sat in deliberation. This
oracle was consulted also in matters of war.[XXV-7]
King Sinacam's reception of the guests in this his
ATITLAN.
capital and court fully equalled his promises.
Sumptuously lodged, and bountifully supplied with
all the luxuries the land could produce, Alvarado himself admits that
they could not have met kinder treatment in their own land.[XXV-8]
For eight days the Spaniards feasted,[XXV-9] and in return Sinacam
succeeded in obtaining the aid of his powerful friends against his
hostile neighbors. Frequent conversations were held relative to the
subjugation of the Zutugils, and to insure this happy consummation
Sinacam expatiated on the contemptuous pride of Tepepul, king of
Atitlan,[XXV-10] and his further wickedness in not tendering allegiance
to the Teules.[XXV-11] It seems that the Zutugil ruler had incurred the
hatred of Sinacam by giving assistance to his rebellious vassal,
Acpocaquil,[XXV-12] and making nocturnal incursions into the
Cakchiquel territory by means of canoes. These outrages were
prompted partly by his reliance on the impregnable position of his
city, situated on the hanging cliffs above Lake Atitlan, seven leagues
from Patinamit. Alvarado required little persuasion to engage in his
favorite pastime of gold-hunting and blood-letting. He was well
aware of the supercilious nature of Tepepul, and had already
determined to visit him in person. While at Utatlan he had sent four
messengers to the court of Atitlan, bearing the usual requirement;
but the haughty monarch, instead of paying the respect due to so
important a demand, put the messengers to death. This ruffled
Alvarado, though it did not dishearten him. "I think," he writes to
Cortés respecting this city, "that with the help of our Lord we shall
soon bring it to the service of his Majesty."[XXV-13]
Alvarado would help King Sinacam, but first he would like some
money for travelling expenses. This reasonable request could not be
refused; not only was the treasure house of Patinamit emptied, but
the entire district, so far as possible, was stripped of its gold, jewels,
and whatever the Spaniards regarded as desirable.[XXV-14] After this
the Spaniards were ready to pass into the next district and levy like
tribute, with or without bloodshed.
In order to proceed with regularity, Alvarado again
THE CITY TAKEN.
sent envoys to Atitlan, demanding that Tepepul
should cease hostilities against the Cakchiquels,
who were the allies of the Teules, and again the ruler displayed his
contempt by putting to death the messengers.[XXV-15] Thereupon
Alvarado set out with sixty cavalry, one hundred and fifty infantry,
and a large body of Cakchiquels, commanded by their chiefs.[XXV-16]
Meeting no opposition he advanced with thirty horse to the height
above the lake, and descended over difficult ground to a level plain
that lay in front of a fortified rock in the water. This was
approachable only by means of a narrow causeway, intersected at
different points by wooden bridges. Near by the enemy were now
discovered drawn up in two bodies, each eight thousand strong.
They advanced at once to the attack, armed with lances, bows and
arrows, and other weapons, protected, moreover, by cotton
corselets.[XXV-17] As the rest of his forces were not far behind,
Alvarado did not hesitate to charge, and when the infantry soon
came up the engagement became general. For some time it was
most obstinately maintained, and numbers of the Spanish soldiers
were wounded. The cavalry, however, succeeded as ever in breaking
the enemy's lines, relieving the hard-pressed foot-soldiers, who
thereupon rallied and renewed their efforts so vigorously as soon to
send the enemy rushing for the stronghold. The pursuing horsemen
arrived at the causeway as soon as the fugitives; here they were
obliged to dismount, as the place was impassable for horses; yet
they followed the Indians so closely that no time was given to
destroy the bridges, and the Spaniards entered the fort with them.
The infantry soon came up, and though the Zutugils struggled
desperately to maintain their position, the volleys of the
arquebusiers made such havoc in their ranks that at last they
plunged into the lake and swam to a neighboring island, whence
many of them escaped before the tardy arrival of three hundred
Cakchiquel canoes.
That evening, after sacking all the houses on the rock, Alvarado
pitched his camp in a field of maize. On the following morning he
implored divine protection and marched against Atitlan. He found
the city abandoned, his capture of what they regarded as an
impregnable stronghold in the lake having so discomfited the
Zutugils that they dared not contend with him for their city. At mid-
day he took up position in the capital, and at once set about to
overrun and devastate the country; but it was so rugged that the
men could with difficulty move, and he was obliged to content
himself with destroying some plantations of maize and cacao.[XXV-18]
He succeeded in making a few captives, three of whom were
despatched to King Tepepul with the usual demand of submission,
accompanied by threats in case of refusal. Perceiving the necessity,
the Zutugil monarch gracefully yielded, whereupon the conqueror
became gracious. He complimented the Zutugils for their bravery,
pardoned their offences, and exhorted them to remain faithful, and
to make no more war on such of their neighbors as were the
recognized subjects of the king of Spain. To give efficacy to his
words he built a strong fort in a suitable position, and left in it four
hundred and eighteen men, Spaniards and Mexican allies, under the
command of Héctor de Chaves and Alonso del Pulgar. Then he
returned to Patinamit.[XXV-19]
Within three days the lords of the lake district presented themselves,
with presents of gold and raiment. They expressed joy at becoming
vassals of his majesty of Spain, for wars and woes should
thenceforth be unknown among them. The Spanish commander was
extremely affable as he presented his visitors with some glass
trinkets, of great value in their eyes, and dismissed them with every
demonstration of affection.[XXV-20]

Perhaps one reason why the play of Helen of Troy was not oftener
performed by the Spanish conquerors in America was on account of
the cheapness of women there. There might be lacking gold, or
pearls, or provender, but seldom was a people found so poor that
they could not furnish the army a liberal supply of pretty slave girls.
Less is found in the chronicles of this kind of traffic than of the traffic
in gold and the traffic in pearls. The merchandise of morality, or
rather of immorality, was less portable than the other kinds. Women
were to use and throw away; gold would keep; while pearls were
usually a staple article in the Spanish nation.
Now the pious Alvarado, next to his delectable
ALVARADO IN LOVE.
master Cortés the most pious pirate in all the
Indies, had tasted every iniquity condemned in his most holy
scriptures except that invented and acted by the sweet psalmist of
Israel. He had severally broken every commandment of the
decalogue, then he had put them together and had broken them in
every conceivable combination. But while maidens were so plump
and plenty he had never felt the desire, like good King David, to go
after the wife of any Uriah the Hittite. But while enjoying the
luxurious hospitality of the Cakchiquel capital, with a world to give
for a new sensation, Alvarado's eye fell on the beautiful Suchil,[XXV-
21] wife of King Sinacam. In some respects it was the Israelitish tale
reversed, for Sinacam was by no means a poor man in respect of
women, nor was Suchil his only ewe lamb. The susceptible heart of
the dashing commander was smitten by the graces of this queen,
and he resolved to possess her. Being a conqueror, with a king for a
slave, he might have obtained his desire by the simple demand; but
in those days there was something sacred in royalty, even in heathen
and captive royalty. Sinacam was now an acknowledged subject of
Spain, and as such possessed rights; besides, that was not the way
set forth by the bright exemplar of his faith.
Upon some pretext, therefore, Sinacam was arrested and put in
irons. Gold was then demanded, and yet more gold. It was the old
method of making the penalty supply the place of guilt and
condemnation. Then Suchil was seized, I do not say unwillingly, for
the Spanish commander was fair and fascinating, and the Cakchiquel
queen was after all but a woman. Above all things on earth, or
beyond the earth, Sinacam regarded her—and for her restoration he
offered more jewels, and pretty maidens, ay, the daughters of
chieftains, by the hundred. Alvarado refused the prayer but not the
offering. When love had cooled he released the king and went his
way.[XXV-22]
 CHAPTER XXVI.
EXPEDITION TO SALVADOR.

1524.

Campaign against Itzcuintlan—A Rough March—The Town Surprised—Desperate Defence

—Alvarado Determines to Explore still farther South—Crossing the River Michatoyat
—The Spaniards Come to Atiquipac, Tacuylula, Taxisco, Nancintlan, and Pazaco—The
Towns Deserted—Poisoned Stakes and Canine Sacrifice—Enter Salvador—Moquizalco
and Acatepec—Battles of Acajutla and Tacuxcalco—Blood-thirstiness of this
Conqueror—Entry into Cuzcatlan—Flight of the Inhabitants—Return to Patinamit.

While receiving at Patinamit, after the Zutugil

CONQUEST OF
ITZCUINTLAN.
campaign, the fealty of numerous chieftains of
the southern coast provinces, Alvarado was told
that the district of Itzcuintlan[XXVI-1] defied him. And with their
refusal to accept the benefits of Christian civilization certain irritating
expressions of contempt were reported to have been uttered by the
ruler of the province. Chiefs of other tribes who wished to pass
through it, in order to tender allegiance to the Spaniards, were
deterred and insulted, and the conqueror was challenged to enter
the land.[XXVI-2] Somewhat ruffled by these bold proceedings, the
impetuous commander marched against Itzcuintlan with all his
available force, Spanish horse and foot, and a large body of Quichés
and Cakchiquels.[XXVI-3] It was a very rough country through which
he had to pass. Roads there were none, other than mere tracks
through the thick woods, for intercourse with Itzcuintlan had been
almost entirely closed, owing to incessant war; but these
circumstances favored a secret entrance into the hostile territory. For
three days they forced their way through an uninhabitable tract
almost closed to man by tropical undergrowth, which required
constant application of axe and knife, so that one day they were
unable to proceed more than two leagues. On reaching the province
it was found covered with thick plantations alternating with swamps.
Such ground being no place for horses, the arquebusiers took the
front, and advanced upon the town from three different quarters. It
was raining heavily at the time, a shower preliminary to the season
of rain, and the sentinels had retired, so that the surprise was
complete.[XXVI-4] Unable to arm or unite, the inhabitants fled to the
woods to escape the swords of the conquerors. In the fort, however,
which commanded the town, a considerable body of warriors had
gathered, who offered a determined resistance, wounding many
Spaniards and causing great loss to the Indian auxiliaries. After five
hours of unavailing attempts to gain possession of the stronghold,
the enraged Alvarado set fire to the place. The brave defenders
appear to have escaped, thanks to the heavy rain and the proximity
of the surrounding woods. Indeed, according to Alvarado's own
statement, he did no harm beyond burning the town.[XXVI-5] The
subjection of the district was not yet accomplished, however, and
messengers were sent to the ruler with the usual summons and
threats. If they persisted in keeping aloof and refusing to submit,
their lands and cornfields would be devastated, and they and their
children made slaves. This menace had the desired effect; the
cacique and his chiefs submitted and swore obedience, and during
the eight days Alvarado remained in this place a number of the
surrounding towns sent in their allegiance. But the restless spirit of
both leader and men was not to be satisfied with the subjugation of
one province only. The lieutenant-general had heard exciting
accounts of immense cities and wonderful palaces, and discovery
was almost as attractive to him as pacification. He had already
informed Cortés that it was his intention to winter fifty or one
hundred leagues beyond Guatemala. As an additional incentive he
had received positive information that a march of twenty-five days
from Guatemala would bring him to the end of the land: if that
should prove to be the case he was confident of finding soon the
famous strait, for which so many were searching.[XXVI-6] Besides the
strait he desired also to find a harbor where he could construct
vessels for exploring the coast at a later date. Already a great
soldier, he desired to become also a great discoverer. Even the rainy
season, which has just set in, should not deter him, though his
difficulties would be greatly increased thereby.
Starting southward, then, from Itzcuintlan, the
TOWNS TAKEN.
first difficulty encountered by the army was the
River Michatoyat,[XXVI-7] which could be crossed
only by bridging. The first town reached was Atiquipac,[XXVI-8] where
the Spaniards were amicably received, but at sunset the people
abandoned their homes and fled to the mountains.[XXVI-9] There was
no time to be wasted with them, for the roads might at any time be
rendered impassable by the rains, and so the army pushed forward
after branding a few unfortunates as slaves,[XXVI-10] the commander
taking every precaution in the disposition of his forces for the
security of baggage and the protection of the auxiliaries. The next
town reached was Tacuylula, standing to-day under the same name.
The reception here was similar to the former, except, perhaps, that
the natives detected the quality of their visitors more quickly than
did the people of Atiquipac. Within an hour they had all fled.[XXVI-11]
From Tacuylula they advanced to Taxisco, where, according to
Alvarado's report, the inhabitants appeared friendly.[XXVI-12] They
passed the night in the town, with every precaution against attack,
for it was strong and populous, and the Spaniards were under no
little apprehension of an assault. They were unmolested, however,
and left on the following morning for the town of Nancintlan.[XXVI-13]
For better security the commander placed ten horsemen in the rear
and an equal number in the centre with his baggage, while with the
remainder of the cavalry he led the van. He had advanced between
two and three leagues when a fierce assault was made upon his
rear, wherein a number of his Indian allies were killed, and, what he
deplored still more, a great quantity of his baggage, stores, and
material was carried off.[XXVI-14]
This was a grave loss, and the commander immediately sent his
brother, Jorge Alvarado, with forty or fifty of the cavalry to attempt a
recapture. On arriving at the scene of the late disaster this officer
fell in with a large body of warriors[XXVI-15] and put them to flight,
but recovered none of the lost effects. In the mean time the army
arrived at Nancintlan, and Jorge Alvarado having returned with little
or nothing accomplished, Puertocarrero[XXVI-16] was sent back with
a detachment of foot-soldiers. The second attempt was as
unsuccessful as the first. The fact is, the country was all in arms; the
natives had retired to mountain fastnesses, whence they issued forth
to attack as occasion offered. Nancintlan had also been abandoned,
save by the principal men who were detained as prisoners. During
the eight days' stay[XXVI-17] here, Alvarado sought in vain to induce
the people to return, and, as he could delay his march no longer, out
of pure spite the dastardly commander burned the town and his
prisoners.[XXVI-18]
The Spaniards now advanced to the neighboring town of Pazaco.
[XXVI-19] The lieutenant-general had already received an invitation
from the chiefs, with protestations of friendship, which could hardly
have been sincere, for as the Spaniards approached the town their
advance was interrupted by short poisoned stakes, ingeniously
hidden in the ground.[XXVI-20] The roads, also, were found to be
closed near the town, with all possible impediments to an advance.
As they entered the place, the spectacle of a canine sacrifice, a
ceremonial significant of hatred and defiance, met their gaze.[XXVI-
21] Nor were hostilities long delayed. At a signal the natives suddenly
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