and native peoples. The opening of the text introduces the historical context of the Itzas and the cultural legacy of the Maya prior to Spanish exploration and conquest. Means emphasizes the relevance of translated manuscripts by early authors like Fray Andrés de Avendaño y Loyola, showcasing firsthand accounts of the subjugation of the Itzas. He also highlights the political and social structures of the Itza state during this period, offering insights into their geography and the significance of their resistance against the Spanish incursions. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for examining the intertwining of histories as European powers encountered and altered indigenous civilizations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)