Cortés's Letters

Cortés's Letters, particularly the "Cartas de Relación," are a series of correspondence written by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to King Charles V of Spain in the early 16th century. These letters detail his encounters with the Aztec Empire, describing its riches, culture, and the conquest of Tenochtitlán. They serve both as reports on his exploits and as persuasive documents aimed at securing royal support and resources. Cortés's writings significantly shaped European understanding of the New World and its civilizations, influencing colonial policies and perceptions of indigenous peoples.