Question

Why did Montezuma send gold and riches to Cortés and his men?

as a sign of liberty

because he thought they were descendants of the god Quetzalcoatl

to pay them for their horses

as a signal that it was okay to enter the city

Answer 1

Montezuma sent gold and riches to Cortés and his men primarily **because he thought they were descendants of the god Quetzalcoatl**. This belief was rooted in the Aztec prophecy that foretold the return of a god who would come from the east, which Montezuma associated with the arrival of Cortés and his troops. The gifts were intended to appease the Spanish and to dissuade them from attacking. Montezuma hoped that by offering them wealth, he could maintain peace and protect his empire.