Death of Montezuma

This is down Holland back on top of the pyramidal temple of the Aztec War God in Mexico City. On the 30th of June 1520, a short distance away from us, the Aztec priests are beating their giant assembly drum.

It is summoning the emperor Martezuma and Prince Quitla to their meeting in the square of Belois, in front of the royal palace. Genore Hernando Cortes and his Spanish expedition are trapped in that palace where they hold Martezuma as hostage.

A meeting between the Aztec emperor and Prince Qui'l'Awa, who commands the besieging forces, will determine whether Montezuma will order his warriors to lift the siege and let the Spaniards leave the city unharmed, or to attack and destroy the Spanish invaders, even if it costs Montezuma his life.

The slow, thunderous rhythm of the huge Aztec drum is rolling and echoing through the square. Ten giant priests are beating it in unison. June 30th, 1520, Mexico City. You are there! The Aztec people wait to learn whether they're Emperor, the fabulous Montezuma, a prisoner of General Cortez, will betray them to save his own life.

CBS takes you back 429 years to a drama of treason and death in the conquest of Mexico. All things are as they were then, except for one thing. When CBS is there, you are there.

You are there. Produced and directed by Robert Louis Chaeon, is based on authentic historical facts and quotations. And now... Mexico City, the temple of the Aztec God of War, and on the hollebac. The fate of the Cortez Expedition and the destiny of Montezuma, traitor or national martyr.

The emperor of Montezuma has been a hostage of the Spanish this past month, ever since General Cortez invaded the Aztecs' sanctuaries and destroyed the images of their gods. At that time, the emperor ordered the Spaniards to leave Mexico.