In 1522 Catalina Suarez finally arrived in New Spain, excited to see her beloved husband after 3 years apart. Soon after her long awaited arrival, however, her excitement was deflated. She immediately learned her husband, Hernán Cortés, had been having an affair with his enslaved indigenous translator Doña Marina, who was often called La Malinche. And worse, the two had a child together. No matter, Catalina was determined to repair the relationship and assume her rightful position as consort to the governor of New Spain. Three months later, Catalina was dead of reported “natural causes.” But did you know, the evidence actually suggests that Catalina Suarez’ death was far more sinister than the records would have you believe? Let’s fix that.
Sources:
- Cultura Colectiva "The Tragic Fate of Catalina Suarez and La Malinche"
- archyde.com "The withering death of Hernán Cortés’ first wife: between the Black Legend and the mystery"
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