Árbol de la Noche Victoriosa, Mexico City

In the Popotla neighborhood of Mexico City, there is an ancient cypress tree called Árbol de la Noche Victoriosa (Tree of the Victorious Night). Previously, it was known as the Árbol de la Noche Triste (Tree of the Sad Night), in reference to a historical event during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, wherein Hernán Cortés and his army of Spanish conquistadors, along with their indigenous allies, were driven out of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. According to legend, Hernán Cortés wept under this tree on the night of the retreat, mourning the heavy losses suffered by his troops. Hence, the tree became known as the Árbol de la Noche Triste. The ahuehuete and behind it, the hermitage of San Esteban Popotla. Painting by José María Velasco In late March 1519, Hernán Cortés landed with a force of Spanish conquistadors at Potonchán on the coast of what is now Mexico. Cortés had been appointed by Governor Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar of Spanish-controlled Cuba to lead an expedition in the region, which was dominated by the Aztec Empire. However, at the last moment, Velázquez revoked Cortés's commission. Despite this, Cortés decided to proceed with the expedition. Using a combination of military force and political strategy, Cortés managed to secure the allegiance of the Totonacs and the Tlaxcalans (who were subjugated enemies of the Aztec Empire), among other groups, as he advanced towards the empire's main settlement, Tenochtitlan. In November, the Spanish force entered the city and was received by its ruler, Moctezuma II. Initially, the conquistadors were treated well by the Aztecs while they stayed in the city. However, Governor Velázquez, angered by Cortés's disobedience, sent an armed force under the command of Pánfilo Narváez to apprehend Cortés and claim the lands and riches he had conquered. Cortés was forced to leave a small garrison in Tenochtitlán under the command of his lieutenant, Pedro de Alvarado, while he led a small force to confront Narváez.