Cortés (Hernán Cortés)

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Born in 1485, he arrived in the Americas in 1504 and played a key role in the colonization of Mexico. Cortés is notable for his military strategies and alliances with indigenous groups that opposed the Aztecs. His conquest in 1521 significantly altered the history of the region, leading to Spanish dominance in Mexico. While celebrated for his exploits, he is also criticized for his role in the violence and destruction of indigenous cultures.