{"type":"video","version":"1.0","html":"<iframe src=\"https://www.loom.com/embed/2ce0edf95a1c4049a03618e55ed7c7df\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>","height":960,"width":1280,"provider_name":"Loom","provider_url":"https://www.loom.com","thumbnail_height":960,"thumbnail_width":1280,"thumbnail_url":"https://cdn.loom.com/sessions/thumbnails/2ce0edf95a1c4049a03618e55ed7c7df-1700920767841.gif","duration":2450.533333,"title":"Reflections on Hernan Cortes, the Aztecs, and Mars Colonization","description":"Join Wes Fryer on this enlightening journey as he delves into the fascinating world of history, specifically the epic tale of the Aztec Empire's fall, as narrated in the podcast 'The Fall of the Aztec' by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. A self-proclaimed history enthusiast, Fryer shares his unique experiences, including his time in Latin America as a Fulbright scholar, to draw parallels between historical events and his current role as a middle school STEM teacher. He creatively links the conquest of the Americas with his class's project of building a virtual colony on Mars using Minecraft and Microsoft MakeCode. Fryer highlights the podcast's immersive storytelling, comparing it to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History, and emphasizes the value of social media in connecting with like-minded history buffs. Additionally, he discusses the broader implications of European colonialism, such as slavery, oppression, and economic poverty, while also mentioning related books and resources. Fryer's video is more than just a historical discourse; it's a call to engage with our past, understand its complexities, and seek healing and hope in our present and future. Don't miss out on this insightful blend of history, education, and technology, and find more on https://www.wesfryer.com/after/"}