* Steel weapons and armor: The Spanish had access to steel weapons and armor, which were far superior to the weapons and armor of the Aztecs. Steel weapons were stronger and could cut through Aztec armor, while steel armor protected the Spanish from Aztec weapons.
* Guns: The Spanish also had guns, which were a completely new weapon to the Aztecs. Guns could be fired from a distance, and they could kill or injure multiple Aztecs at once.
* Horses: The Spanish had horses, which gave them a significant advantage in mobility. Horses allowed the Spanish to travel quickly and cover great distances, and they could be used to charge into battle and break up Aztec formations.
Strategic advantages
* Alliances with native peoples: The Spanish were able to form alliances with native peoples who were unhappy with Aztec rule. These alliances provided the Spanish with valuable intelligence and support, and they helped to divide and weaken the Aztec Empire.
* Surprise attack: The Spanish attacked the Aztecs by surprise, and they were able to quickly capture the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs were caught off guard and were unable to mount an effective defense.
Political advantages
* Lack of unity: The Aztec Empire was not a unified political entity. There were many different city-states within the empire, and they were often at war with each other. This lack of unity made it difficult for the Aztecs to mount a coordinated defense against the Spanish.
* Political instability: The Aztec Empire was also experiencing political instability at the time of the Spanish invasion. The emperor Moctezuma II was a weak and unpopular leader, and he was unable to control the empire effectively. This political instability further weakened the Aztec Empire and made it more vulnerable to conquest.