BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO -Conquest, history and memory

Join us and learn the true History of the Conquest of New Spain through the figure of this military adventurer, conquistador and settler BERNAL DIAZ DEL CASTILLO -conquest, history and memory (Presentation of the book...) Bernal Díaz del Castillo was a Spanish conquistador and chronicler who served under Hernán Cortés in the conquest of the Aztec Empire. Born in Spain around 1492–1495, he joined expeditions to Tierra Firme, Cuba, Yucatán, and in 1519 took part in the campaign that captured Tenochtitlán. Later settling in Guatemala as a governor, he authored "The True History of the Conquest of New Spain" , a vivid first-hand account challenging other chroniclers’ portrayals, defending the role played by all different actors in the conquista, including the 700 enlisted spanish soldiers and the key rol played by those natives joining the Spanish army wth the main objective to end with the tiranny imposed on them by the Aztecs. His narrative becomes an alternative to those emphasizing the cruelty of the conquest (Fray bartolome de las Casas, proved with the time, to be exaggerated) or to that of Lopez de Gomara (emphasizing only the figure of Hernan cortes). Díaz del Castillo strongly defends the actions of the conquistadors while emphasizing their humanity and honesty. He summarizes their actions by saying, "We went there to serve God, and also to get rich." Gustavo Amorin (Uruguay, 1970) will present in its new book about this fascinating figure after years of research and historical documentation that will reveal new information about the shared history of Europe and Central America. Do not miss out this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating topic: join us on Thursday 26 November 2026 at 18:30 h at FCE- 51 Rue du Cornet, 1040, Brussels (Close to place Jourdan). Nos vemos pronto... ! -PLEASE NOTE THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN SPANISH-