- Biography
- Birth and family
- Studies of Fernando de Alva
- Interest in indigenous
- Some facts of his life
- Assignment of Spaniards
- Death
- Plays
- Fragments
- References
Fernando de Alva Cortés (1568-1648), also known as Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl, was a historian of New Spain, today Mexico. Its importance lay in its development of writings on the aborigines of its land, a task that was entrusted to it by the Spanish authorities.
The best known work of Alva Cortés was Historia Chichimeca, which was related to the process of conquest of Mexican territory by Spain. Now, there is no knowledge of the title that the author gave it, and with which it is known until today, it was given by the writer Carlos Sigüenza.
Fragment of a codex attributed by León y Gama to Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl. Source: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b84701752/f27.item.r=Codex.zoom, via Wikimedia Commons
Biography
Birth and family
The data on the birth of Fernando are not precise, although some scholars pointed out that it was in 1568 in the town of Texcoco, Mexico City. His parents were Juan de Navas Pérez de Peraleda and Ana Cortés Ixtlilxóchitl. He was related to both Spanish and indigenous people.
Fernando de Alva belonged to the Acolhua dynasty, therefore, he was a great-grandson of the last ruler or tlatoani of Texcoco. In addition, the blood of Cuitláhuac ran through his veins, who played a decisive role in the Sad Night of 1520 in which the Spanish were evicted by the Mexica or Aztecs.
Studies of Fernando de Alva
Alva Ixtlilxóchitl's academic training took place in his native land. Also, coming from a distinguished family, his education was of quality. He studied at the Colegio de la Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco, where he excelled in all subjects. There he learned the Nahuatl language.
Interest in indigenous
From an early age Fernando de Alva became interested in learning more about the history and culture of the indigenous people. So he expanded his knowledge through the conversations he had with the wise elders of the tribes or lordships. He also studied the drawings and paintings of the natives.
Some facts of his life
The data on the life of the New Spain historian are scarce. However, it is known that between 1600 and 1604 he went to live in the town of San Juan Teotihuacán. Researchers have indicated that he served as governor of both Texcoco and Tlalmanalco between 1612 and 1613.
Assignment of Spaniards
Due to his historical knowledge and kinship with the indigenous people, the Spanish monarchy that reigned in Mexico assigned Fernando de Alva to carry out the records on the native inhabitants. So at the beginning of the seventeenth century and for eight years the historian dedicated himself to researching and writing on the subject.
Death
The work that Alva carried out throughout his life was of great importance for the knowledge about the conquest of Mexico, and the veracity and quality of his writings was remarkable.
However, his death does not escape the little information that is had about his life itself. It is only known that he left the world in 1648 in the same city where he was born.
Plays
The works written by Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl were not many. However, as has been expressed in previous lines, these were of great relevance to the history of Mexico. Of his writings the following were the best known:
Fragments
"Which deals with what year and time the most courageous infant Ixtlilxóchitl was born, and the things he did in his childhood and childhood." Chapter 69.
“… Ixtlilxóchitl grew up with such vividness and sharpness, that it clearly showed what it had come to be… being three years old a little more, he killed the mistress who was breastfeeding him… he asked to give him water to drink that he had of being taken out of a well, and while she got down to get the water with a rope, she pushed it… ”.
"Which deals with how Cortés began the conquest of this New Spain until he reached Potonchan." Chapter 78.
"Before Cortés left the island of Guaniganiga, he made a long and discreet talk to his people… if with the spirit and jealousy of Christians they went to the conquest, more to convert souls…".
«He landed in Yucatan… they saw a canoe arrive in which four naked men came with their bows and arrows… one of the four came forward, close by, and began to speak in Spanish and said: 'Gentlemen, are you Christians?' that our people marveled and answered: 'Yes, we are and Spanish'… ”.
References
- Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl. (2019). Spain: Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
- Tamaro, E. (2019). Fernando Alva Ixtlilxóchitl. (N / a): Biographies and Lives. Recovered from: biografiasyvidas.com.
- Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl. (S. f.). Cuba: Ecu Red. Recovered from: ecured.cu.
- Gotor, S. (2011). Chichimeca history. (N / a): Hispanic Readings. Recovered from: barricadaletrahispanic.blogspot.com.
- Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxóchitl. (S. f.). Spain: Royal Academy of History. Recovered from: dbe.rah.es.