Overview
Can you please reply with 1-2 paragraphs to the following two
1. Al-Bakri and Leo Africanus write about regions they are unfamiliar with, Ghana and Mali. In an effort to understand the culture within Ghana and Mali, they may find themselves misinterpreting what they see to what they know. Al-Bakri had not traveled to Africa or outside his native land, and Leo Africanus did not practice the same cultural traditions. Therefore, neither knew people lived different lifestyles than them and certain things they describe are not normal for them. These travelers both saw what they described and would receive information from others. They both describe the geographic locations, but Leo Africanus explains an event he was not at. For example, Africanus says, “When the king goes from one city to another with the people of his court, he rides a camel, and the horses are led by hand by servants. If fighting becomes necessary, the servants mount the camels, and all the soldiers mount on horseback” (Africanus, 1652 CE). I don’t necessarily think they thought any less of the respective cultures they were writing about, but their perception of it was different because they were just outsiders instead of living in it. Al-Umari’s discussion of Mali differs from Leo’s because of their religious views; Al-Umari was Muslim, and Leo was a Christian. This difference led their views to be seen through their own perspective and morality. The Ghanaian proverbs help me understand their value in knowledge, productivity, and an open mindset. Many of these proverbs are also very motivating and are a good form of guidance for the people.
2. Aztecs: Reviewing the the primary sources from the conquistadors, Such as Bernal Diaz Del Castillo and Hernan Cortes, Provides critical insights into how Aztec civilization is perceived also including their independent roles within the conquest. Their accounts disclose admiration and influence by the conquistador's background as well as their role in society. Between Diaz and Cortes they found multiple elements regarding the Aztec civilization significant. One element that was deemed remarkable was the grandeur of Tenochtitlan, which was the Aztec capital. Ironically although they praised the complexity of the architecture, they had a negative perception of the Aztecs as people due to the inhumane spiritual and religious practice to include the sacrificing of humans and idol worshipping due to the European Catholic views. As Spaniards, the conquerors were a pillar in European tradition, partially because they deemed it superior to other cultures and traditions. It is worth stating that although all accounts described were personally witnessed, They occasionally relied on others including indigenous informants who may or may not have been unbiased due to their ideological stance on Aztec society. On the other hand, As for the the Spanish conquest the explanation was seen as the Aztec account of the conquest of Mexico. Some saw the Spaniards as god-like beings, This thought was due to the unfamiliarity with European technology and the situations they found themselves in during the conquest. It is interesting the way the Spanish viewed the Aztecs as Heathens, while the Aztecs showed reverence and fear of the conquistadors. These differences can be attributed to the cultural perspective of those who provided accounts and context.