Where did hernán cortés explore

Hernan Cortes Biography

Mayor of Santiago, Cuba

Hernando Cortez (Hernan Cortes was his real name) was born in Medellin, Spain, in (or around) 1485. He was a Spanish conquistador known for conquering the Aztec Empire of Mexico. He came from a noble family and was well educated. From an early age, however, Cortes was described as a troublemaker, mischievous, quarrelsome, and even ruthless. Excited by tales of the New World, he sailed to Hispaniola in the West Indies at the age of 19. During his stay on Hispaniola, he served as both a farmer and notary (a public official) before sailing on an expedition to Cuba in 1511, led by Diego Velasquez. Cortez proved a natural leader and became mayor of Santiago, Cuba.

A Killing Spree on the Way to Tenochtitlán

In the fall of 1518, he set off for Mexico on his own expedition with 600 soldiers and sailors and 16 horses on 11 ships. They landed on the Mexican coast in early 1519 at Tabasco on the Yucatan Peninsula, where he and his army defeated a group of natives. While there, Cortez managed to gain favor among other natives, and he fathere

Hernando Cortés (1485-1547)

Hernando Cortes  ©Cortés was a Spanish conquistador (soldier and explorer) who conquered the vast Aztec empire in central America.

Hernán (or Hernando) Cortés was born in 1485 in Medellín, western Spain. He initially studied law but left university to make his fortune in the Americas.

In 1504 he sailed for Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), moving to Cuba in 1511 where he assisted Diego Velázquez in his conquest of the island and made his reputation for courage and daring.

In 1518 Cortés persuaded Velázquez, who was now governor, to make him commander of an expedition to Mexico. It had only recently been discovered by Europeans and was rumoured to contain great wealth.

Shortly before Cortés set sail, Velázquez, who was now suspicious of his motives, cancelled his commission. Cortés ignored Velázquez and set out. On arrival he established a settlement (now Veracruz) and made local allies.

The major civilisation in the region was that of the Aztecs, led by Montezuma II. Cortés headed for the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, which was a three-m

Hernán Cortés

Explorer

Age of Discovery

Quick Facts:

Hernán Cortés was the Spanish conquistador responsible for conquering the Aztec Empire and building Mexico City which secured Spain’s position in the New World.

Hernan Cortes

Print of Hernan Cortes, Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire, and established a new Spanish territory called "New Spain," present day Mexico. The Mariners Museum F1230.C8 S4

Introduction
With superior firepower, 600 Spaniards, a dozen horses, and thousands of native allies, Hernán Cortés conquered Mexico for Spain. This also marked the fall of the Aztec Empire. His conquest enabled Spain to create a stronghold and colonies in the New World. From a young age, Cortés sought wealth and adventure. History remembers him as a fierce conquistador (Spanish for “conqueror”). Despite his reputation, he opened the door for further exploration and conquest to the south and north

Biography
Early Life
Hernán (or Hernándo) Cortés was born in 1485 in the village of Medellín, located in the Estremadura province of Spain. His parents we

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