In 1521, Hernan Cortes stepped into Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capitol, conquering an empire of millions with an invading force of 630 men. It was a surprising, almost inconceivable accomplishment yielding wealth beyond imagination, as Tenochtitlan was built on a lake with towering temples, flourishing economy and floating gardens.

Sustained by a religion and polity feeding on vassel states for tribute and human sacrifice (up to 80,000 in one year alone), it was according to eye-witness Spanish accounts, as magnificent, more populous and well-ordered than the greatest cities of Europe.

Controversy rages over the character and consequences of the conquista: at one extreme is a tale of courage, daring and heroism in the name of Christian civilization; at the other, a tale of ruthless, cruel exploitation. To form your own opinion, we will explore what happened, how it happened and what consequences followed. Dr. Herbert Gooch is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at California Lutheran University. He formerly served as Director of the Masters in Public Policy and Administration program and Assistant Provost for Graduate Studies at Cal Lutheran. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley in History, he holds a M.B.A in Management and both masters and doctoral degrees in Political Science from U.C.L.A. He has written extensively and is a frequent commentator on political affairs locally and statewide. He has been at Cal Lutheran since 1987 and lives in Newbury Park with his wife. His interests include politics, film and travel. Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older. All are welcome to this one-time lecture. There are additional requirements for attending in person.