Hernán Cortés (Conquistador)

Hernán Cortés was a Spanish Conquistador known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Born around 1485, Cortés arrived in the Americas in 1504. In 1519, he set out to explore Mexico, forming alliances with indigenous groups who opposed the Aztecs. By 1521, he successfully captured the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, claiming the region for Spain. His actions significantly impacted the course of history, leading to Spanish colonization in the Americas and altering the lives and cultures of native populations. Cortés's legacy is complex, marked by both conquest and cultural exchange.