Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in Mexico in the early 16th century. Born in 1485 in Medellín, Spain, Cortés studied law briefly at the University of Salamanca before setting sail for the New World in 1504.
After arriving in Hispaniola, Cortés participated in the conquest of Cuba under Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. His ambition and leadership skills were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as Mayor of Santiago de Cuba.
In 1518, Cortés was appointed to lead an expedition to explore and secure the interior of Mexico for Spanish Crown. Here are some key events:
Following the conquest, Cortés was named governor and captain general of New Spain, although his authority was frequently challenged by the Spanish Crown. His governorship was marred by conflicts with local Spanish officials and indigenous populations. Cortés made several expeditions to explore more of the region, including to Honduras, but these were less successful.
In 1540, he returned to Spain where he spent much of his remaining life attempting to regain his influence and secure titles. Cortés died in 1547 in Seville, Spain, at the age of 62.
Hernán Cortés is a controversial figure in history. While he is celebrated for his military achievements and the expansion of the Spanish Empire, he is also criticized for his role in the destruction of the Aztec civilization, the exploitation of indigenous peoples, and the introduction of diseases that decimated native populations. His methods and the ethical implications of his conquests are subjects of ongoing debate among historians.