What role did horses play in the victory over Aztecs?

It's important to be specific when discussing the "victory over the Aztecs." The Aztecs were conquered by the Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, in the early 16th century.

Horses played a crucial role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs:

* Psychological Warfare: Horses were a terrifying sight to the Aztecs, who had never seen such creatures before. The Spanish, mounted on horseback, appeared to be supernatural beings, moving with great speed and agility. This fear contributed significantly to the Spanish advantage.

* Mobility and Speed: Horses allowed the Spanish to quickly move troops and supplies across the vast Aztec Empire. They could outmaneuver Aztec warriors, strike quickly and unexpectedly, and escape from danger.

* Military Advantage: The combination of horses and Spanish weaponry (steel armor, swords, and guns) gave them a clear military advantage. Mounted Spanish conquistadors could easily charge into Aztec formations, disrupting their ranks and inflicting heavy casualties. The Aztec weapons, primarily obsidian-tipped spears and clubs, were simply no match for the Spanish weaponry and tactics.

However, it's crucial to understand that horses were not the only factor in the Spanish victory:

* Disease: European diseases like smallpox devastated the Aztec population, weakening their resistance.

* Alliances: The Spanish forged alliances with other indigenous groups who resented Aztec rule.

* Technology: Spanish weapons and tactics were far superior to those of the Aztecs.

While horses were a significant factor, they were just one piece of the complex puzzle that led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire.