The General History of the Things of New Spain, contains an Aztec version of Montezuma's death. Translators of the volume note that almost all native sources say that Montezuma was stabbed or strangled by the Spaniards, while the Spaniards say he died due to the stoning.

"In the late afternoon light, just before sunset, Itzquauhtzin shouted forth from a company of Spaniards and Mexicans on the palace roof terrace: 'Your ruler, the lord of men, Moctezuma, implores you. He says, "Listen, Mexicans! We are not equal to the Spaniards! Abandon the battle!" But upon this the Mexicans raised a clamor. They berated him. They were furious with rage. In the increasing outcry which followed, arrows fell upon the roof terrace. The Spaniards protected Moctezuma and Itzquauhtzin with their shields so that the Mexicans might not injure them.

"The Spaniards threw the dead bodies of Moctezuma and Itzquauhtzin out of the palace. As soon as they were recognized, men quickly took up Moctezuma's body and carried it to Copulco, placed it on a pile of wood and fired it. As he burned, onlookers berated him; their goodwill had given way to fury. 'This blockhead,' they said, 'terrorized the world. He kept the world in dread, in fear. If anyone offended this man even a little, he at once did away with him. Many did he punish for imagined misdoings, for deeds that were mere fabrication of words.'"