Biography of hernan cortes
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Hernando Cortés ()
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 in Medellín, western Spain. He initially studied law but left university to make his fortune in the Americas.
In he sailed for Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), moving to Cuba in where he assisted Diego Velázquez in his conquest of the island and made his reputation for courage and daring.
In 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.
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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 FC8 S4
Introduction
With superior firepower, 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 in
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Hernan Cortes Biography
Mayor of Santiago, Cuba
Hernando Cortez (Hernan Cortes was his real name) was born in Medellin, Spain, in (or around) 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 During his stay on Hispaniola, he served as both a farmer and notary (a public official) before sailing on an expedition to Cuba in , 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 , he set off for Mexico on his own expedition with soldiers and sailors and 16 horses on 11 ships. They landed on the Mexican coast in early at Tabasco on the Yucatan Peninsula, where he and his army defeated a group of natives. Whil