Spanish Conquistador

A Spanish conquistador was a soldier and explorer from Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries who traveled to the Americas to explore, conquer, and claim new territories. They played a key role in expanding Spanish influence by establishing colonies, often overpowering indigenous peoples through military force and strategic alliances. Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro led expeditions that resulted in the fall of powerful civilizations such as the Aztecs and Incas. Their actions significantly shaped the history, culture, and geography of Latin America, though they also caused widespread upheaval and destruction for indigenous populations.