Conquest and Identity: The Goths and the Spaniards in Roman and Aztec History

In the annals of history, the conquest of major empires has been a hallmark of military dominance and cultural influence. The conquests of the Goths and the Spaniards are two such significant episodes that have left an indelible mark on the history of Europe and the Americas. However, one intriguing question arises: did the Goths ever conquer Rome? If so, why were they never called Romans? This article delves into these complex issues and draws analogies with the Spanish conquest of Mexico, where the conquerors were never called Aztecs.

The Gothic Conquest: A Mirage of Identity

The fall of Rome to the Goths is often depicted in historical narratives, but a closer look at the historical records reveals a less straightforward story. While the Goths played a significant role in the later stages of Rome's decline, they never effectively conquered the city in the same way that other groups, such as the Vandals, did. The Goths, especially the Ostrogoths, ransacked and gained control over parts of Italy in the 5th century, but their presence in Rome itself was brief and transient.

Historian Edward Gibbon, in his monumental work The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, describes the Gothic invasion under Alaric I, who led his troops to the gates of Rome in 410 AD. However, Gibbon also notes that Alaric and his men did not actually enter the capital city. Instead, they looted the surroundings and eventually fortified Ravenna as their capital, rather than Rome. This actions indicate a limited and temporary occupation, rather than a permanent conquest.

The Goths are often referred to as "barbarians" or "invaders" in historical accounts, which depict them as outsiders who brought chaos and devastation. This portrayal, however, overlooks the fact that the Goths were not just invokers but also had rich cultural and historical roots of their own. Their presence in Italy was part of a broader migration of Germanic tribes that drastically altered the political and social landscape of the Western Roman Empire. Despite their significant impact, the Goths were not assimilated into the Roman populace, nor were they granted Roman citizenship. This was primarily due to their lack of prolonged residence in Rome itself.

The failure of the Goths to integrate into Roman society was exacerbated by the resistance from established Roman elites. The continued distinction between the Goths and Romans meant that the Goths were never offered the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship, such as voting rights or access to public lands. This disparity in social and political status prevented the Goths from becoming "Romans" in the true sense of the word.

The Spanish Conquest of Mexico: Borrowing Identity

The conquest of Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors is another fascinating piece of historical narrative that raises similar questions about identity and conquest. When the Spanish invaded the Aztec Empire, they were in search of wealth, power, and a chance to spread Christianity. However, the conquerors themselves were outsiders to the region and did not seek to adopt the identity of the indigenous Aztecs.

Upon landing in the Americas, the Spanish quickly aligned themselves with various indigenous groups who were seeking to resist Aztec rule. This alliance, while strategic, did not lead to the Spanish adopting the cultural and political identity of the Aztecs. The Spanish retained their own language, customs, and religious beliefs, and imposed their culture upon the conquered territories. Hernán Cortés, the leader of the Spanish forces, took the title of "" of New Spain, a clear indication of their desire to maintain their own identity rather than fully integrate into the Aztec way of life.

The reasons behind the Spanish not adopting the identity of the Aztecs were rooted in their own cultural and political ambitions. The Spanish were seeking to establish a new colonial empire, not to assimilate into an existing one. They brought with them their own social hierarchy, laws, and political structures, which they imposed on the conquered territories. The ultimate goal was to create a new Spanish world rather than blend with the Aztec people.

The Role of Identity in Conquest

The historical dynamics of conquest and identity are complex and multifaceted. In both the Gothic and Aztec contexts, the conquerors maintained their distinct cultural and ethnic identity despite significant military success. The Goths never became "Romans," and the Spanish never became "Aztecs." This phenomenon is not unique to these two instances but is a recurring theme in the history of conquest and colonization.

The maintenance of distinct identities by conquerors is often a result of various factors, including:

Political and Social Structures: The presence of established political and social structures that resist or marginalize assimilation. Cultural and Religious Beliefs: The strength of the conquerors' own cultural and religious beliefs that prevent them from adopting those of the conquered people. Economic Motivations: The primary goal of conquest is often to exploit the resources and labor of the conquered territories, which aligns with maintaining a distinct identity to preserve economic control and power. Resistance and Unity: The resistance and unity of the conquered people can also prevent assimilation. The Aztecs, for example, maintained a strong sense of identity and unity throughout their resistance to the Spanish invaders.

In conclusion, the Goths and the Spanish demonstrate that conquest is not merely about military victory but also about the broader dynamics of identity, culture, and power. The failure of the Goths to be called "Romans" and the Spanish to be called "Aztecs" highlight the complex interplay between conquerors and the conquered, and the lasting impact of historical narratives shaped by these dynamics.