Four Chronicle programmes about critical moments in history 1: The Realms of Gold
Written and introduced by John Julius Norwich
Hernan Cortes 's confrontation with Montezuma and the Empire of the Aztecs in 1519 was the moment when, for the very first time, the Old World and the New stood face to face. But the Spaniard's victory would have been impossible had it not been for one incredible fact - Montezuma believed that Cortes was his God, the Feathered Serpent Quetzalcoati.
JOHN JULIUS NORWICH recounts the extraordinary interplay of mythology and mounted warfare; of human sacrifice and brilliant strategy which led ultimately to the creation of Mexico.
Producer KENNETH SHEPHEARD