* Unfamiliarity: The Aztecs had never seen horses before. They were accustomed to dogs, and possibly some other domesticated animals, but nothing like a horse. The sheer size, strength, and speed of these animals would have been a shock.
* Technological Advantage: The Spanish used horses for transportation, warfare, and to carry supplies. This gave them a significant advantage in terms of speed, mobility, and firepower. The Aztecs had never encountered an enemy that could move so quickly and cover so much ground.
* Mythical Aspect: The Aztecs might have even viewed horses as mythical creatures. They were used to a world of supernatural beings and powerful gods, and the sight of these majestic animals could have been seen as something otherworldly.
* Psychological Impact: The horses instilled fear in the Aztec warriors. The combination of their size, speed, and the unfamiliar nature of cavalry tactics created a sense of awe and dread. This fear could have contributed to the Aztecs' eventual defeat.
It's important to remember that the Aztec's initial fear and awe quickly turned into an understanding of the horses' power and potential. They learned to adapt and fight back against this new threat. However, the initial shock of seeing horses for the first time undoubtedly contributed to the early success of the Spanish conquistadors.