--- title: Hernán Cortés author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2022-07-12 --- # Hernán Cortés _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ Hernán Cortés (1485-1547) was a Spanish [conquistador](https://www.worldhistory.org/Conquistador/) who led the [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of the [Aztec Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) in Mexico from 1519. Taking the [Aztec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) capital of [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/) in 1521, Cortés plundered Mesoamerica as he became the first ruler of the new colony of New Spain. Cortés was a gifted leader of men, and he seized every opportunity presented to him in the New World. Using superior weapons and tactics combined with diplomacy to supplement his meagre force of conquistadors with thousands of indigenous warriors, Cortés was able to sweep all before him. Initially rewarded by the Spanish Crown, Cortés soon found himself overwhelmed by a new wave of colonial administrators and constant legal battles where he faced charges of exceeding his authority, taking more than his due in loot, and using excessive violence and terror against indigenous peoples. ### Early Life Hernán Cortés de Monroy y [Pizarro](https://www.worldhistory.org/Francisco_Pizarro/) Altamirano was born in 1485 in Medellin, Extremadura, Spain. His parents belonged to the petty nobility, his father being a *hidalgo*. Hernán studied [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) at the University of Salamanca from 1499, but at 19 years old, he decided to leave Spain and try his luck in the Caribbean colonies. After running a plantation on eastern Hispaniola (Santo Domingo) and working as a notary in Azúa de Compostela, he decided to participate in the conquest of Cuba in 1511. Seven years later, and now in his mid-30s, he was itching for his stab at fame and glory. Perhaps not only out for [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/), Cortés was a deeply religious man, and the spirit of evangelism, for him if not his followers, was an extra motivation to further open up this New World. ### Two Worlds Collide [Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diego_Velazquez_de_Cuellar/) (1465-1524), the Governor of Cuba, had already sent several expeditions to explore the mainland coast of America starting in 1517, and these had reported strange ancient stone monuments and brightly dressed natives from whom were bartered fine gold objects. The governor organised another expedition and chose as its leader Hernán Cortés, who had served him as the *alcalde,* or chief magistrate, in Santiago de Cuba. Eleven ships were packed with 500 soldiers and 100 sailors, all of them adventurers and treasure-seekers. At the last minute, wary of the scale of Cortés' preparations, Velásquez tried to recall his lieutenant, but it was too late. Cortés might have been the expedition leader but, as the historian S. Sheppard explains, this was most certainly going to be a group effort: > Cortés was not a general in command of a professional army, he was a gentleman who arrived at decisions only through the consent of other gentlemen. Throughout the campaign, his leadership had no more foundation than the very fragile status of first among equals that depended entirely upon vision, charisma, and success. (30) [ ![Map of the Aztec Empire, c. 1427–1521](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/14181.png?v=1776543692-1745392430) Map of the Aztec Empire, c. 1427–1521 Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14181/map-of-the-aztec-empire-c-1427-1521/ "Map of the Aztec Empire, c. 1427–1521")Cortés was undoubtedly a charismatic and inspirational commander, and although he had little practical military experience, he was, crucially, a leader capable of taking both utterly ruthless decisions and extravagant gambles to maximise his opportunities in a fluid and constantly changing geopolitical situation. As Sheppard summarises: "A devout Catholic and inveterate bigamist, a crusader and an opportunist, a renegade and an imperialist, Cortés was a man of many contradictions." (21) The [Aztec civilization](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) (aka Mexica) had flourished from c. 1345 in Mesoamerica, and by the 16th century, it came to cover most of northern Mexico, an area of some 135,000 square kilometres with a population of around 11 million. The Aztecs used military coercion, hostages, and the extraction of tribute to hold their fragile [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) together, but they had not conquered everyone. The Tarascans and Tlaxcalans, in particular, continued to probe at the borders of their empire. The Tlaxcalans and other peoples would prove to be invaluable allies of the Spanish as they were only too keen to see the downfall of the Aztecs. Cortés landed on the Tabasco coast at Potonchan on the Americas mainland in March 1519. The Old World was about to meet in person the current masters of Mesoamerica. Cortés and his men had no idea what they were about to face, but to make sure nobody entertained thoughts of going home, Cortés ordered the deliberate grounding and breaking up of his ships. It was now a case of [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) or die. Superior steel and gunpowder weapons, cavalry, and dynamic tactics ensured easy Spanish victories against the hostile peoples they encountered. Mesoamerican weapons and armour were primitive compared to that of the Spaniards. The Mesoamericans had razor-sharp obsidian-bladed swords and clubs, bows, spears, and dart throwers, but these made little impact against [metal](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/metal/) armour. On the other side, Spanish steel swords, long pikes, crossbows, and gunpowder weapons were devastatingly effective against warriors protected only by padded cotton cloth and wooden shields. Cavalry proved itself almost invincible against any number of Mesoamerican attackers. Finally, tactics did not help the indigenous peoples, who were used to ritualised [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) where display and taking captives took priority. Mesoamerican officers were easily identifiable with their extravagant costumes, and these were the first targets of the Spanish. When the officers were killed, very often the rank and file fled in panic. Mesoamerican warriors did learn new tactics and focussed on ambushes on broken ground as a strategy to negate the strengths of cavalry, but the overwhelming military advantage, despite facing far superior numbers, remained in the hands of the Spaniards. [ ![Montezuma Meets Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/5277.jpg?v=1774626189) Montezuma Meets Cortés Unknown Artist (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5277/montezuma-meets-cortes/ "Montezuma Meets Cortés")A significant bonus in these early encounters was the capture of Malintzin (aka Marina, Malinali, or [La Malinche](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2796/la-malinche/)), a [Maya](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Maya/) woman who spoke the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs and a local Mayan language, which one of Cortés' men was familiar with. The invaders could now communicate with potential allies. Malintzin and Cortés had a son together, Don Martin. Cortés later had another son, also called Martin (his mother was Doña Juana Ramírez de Arellano, the daughter of a Spanish count from Cuernavaca), but it was his illegitimate child with Malintzin that Cortés favoured, accompanying him to Spain and ensuring he was invested as a knight in the prestigious Order of Santiago. The Aztec ruler [Motecuhzoma](https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/) (aka [Montezuma](https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/), r. 1502-1520) soon got news of these troublesome invaders, but he cautiously awaited developments. Cortés, meanwhile, established a garrison at Veracruz on the coast. He ignored instructions to return to Cuba and instead sent a quantity of the treasures he had acquired, with letters requesting royal support, to the king of Spain, Charles V, Holy [Roman Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) (r. 1519-1556). This was exceeding his authority since technically it was Velásquez who held the right of *[adelantado](https://www.worldhistory.org/Adelantado/)*, that is to conquer territory in the king's name. A great furore ensued over the matter, which ended in Cortés, thanks to his treasure, being allowed to continue his conquest while Velásquez was removed from office. Meanwhile, back on the ground in Mexico, the conquistadors were marching inland by August 1519, first battling the Tlaxcala. Cortés then displayed his mastery of diplomacy and managed to persuade the Tlaxcalans to join him in his war against the Aztecs. The Spanish and their allies pressed on to Tenochtitlan in November. ### Motecuhzoma & La Noche Triste Located on the western shore of Lake [Texcoco](https://www.worldhistory.org/Texcoco/), the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had over 200,000 inhabitants, making it the largest [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) in the Pre-Columbian Americas. It covered some 12-14 km² and was connected to the western shore of the lake and surrounding countryside by three causeways (running north, east, and west), which included gaps traversed by removable bridges to allow boats to pass. [ ![Headdress of Motecuhzoma II](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/2093.jpg?v=1751562667) Headdress of Motecuhzoma II Jonathan (Copyright) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2093/headdress-of-motecuhzoma-ii/ "Headdress of Motecuhzoma II")The conquistadors were permitted to enter the city peacefully on 8 November, and they marvelled at its wonders of grand plazas, [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/)-[pyramids](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/), and floating gardens. When Cortés and Motecuhzoma met, initially, relations were friendly. Valuable gifts were exchanged between the two leaders. Cortés received a necklace of golden crabs, and Motecuhzoma a necklace of Venetian glass strung on gold thread and scented with musk. The Aztec ruler may have been wary of these visitors, having heard of their earlier military victories, but he seemed undecided what to do with them. Diplomacy, in any case, went out of the window two weeks later, when Cortés took Motecuhzoma hostage on 14 November. The Spanish wanted treasure, and the Aztec ruler was obliged to swear himself a subject of the king of Spain. There were other indignities like a crucifix being set up at the top of the sacred Aztec [pyramid](https://www.worldhistory.org/pyramid/), the [Templo Mayor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Templo_Mayor/). Cortés now had his own problems, though. With his rivalry with Velázquez at that point unresolved, the governor of Cuba had sent a force under the command of Pánfilo de Narváez to Veracruz to apprehend Cortés. Cortés was obliged to leave Tenochtitlan and meet these competitors for future treasure, and so, in May 1520, he left Tenochtitlan in the hands of a small Spanish force under the command of [Pedro de Alvarado](https://www.worldhistory.org/Pedro_de_Alvarado/). Alvarado and his men proved rather insensitive to Aztec conventions when they unwisely attempted to interrupt a ceremony of human sacrifice and then massacred members of the Aztec nobility. The Aztecs rose up and killed a number of the interlopers. Meanwhile, Cortés defeated Narváez and persuaded his remaining men to join him. They all returned to Tenochtitlan on 24 June, where a handful of Spaniards were still holding out. In the still-bubbling hostilities, Motecuhzoma had been replaced by Cuitláhuac as the new Aztec leader after Cortés had foolishly released him from imprisonment. Cuitláhuac had immediately taken over rule of the Aztecs from his captive and now dishonoured brother. Cuitláhuac organised a total war against the conquistadors. When the Spanish tried to use Motecuhzoma to bring calm to the situation, the former leader was struck by a rock and killed on 30 June. The Spanish became trapped in the royal [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) of Axayácatl. Cortés managed to flee the city in a running night [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) on 30 June 1520. This bloody retreat became known as the *Noche Triste* ('Sad Night'). The Spaniards had extricated themselves using temporary wooden bridges built for the challenging task of crossing the city's many canals, but the price of freedom was high. Cortés had lost half his men, most of his best horses, and all of the eight tons of loot he had been accumulating ever since he arrived in Mesoamerica. ### The Siege of Tenochtitlan Before reaching the safety of Tlaxcala territory, Cortés first had to win a great battle near Otumba on 7 July, where the Aztecs tried once and for all to wipe out the foreign invaders. After several more campaigns, and receiving reinforcements by sea, several [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) were captured, notably Texcoco on 31 December 1520. Cortés' plan was now to lay siege to Tenochtitlan, but already another, far more terrible enemy had swept through the Aztec population. There had been a devastating outbreak of smallpox in the previous September and November, which killed up to 50% of the population. The Aztecs also had a new leader, Cuauhtémoc, after Cuitláhuac himself had succumbed to the imported disease. In April 1521, Cortés began his siege. His force included 700 infantry, 118 crossbowmen and harquebusiers, 86 horses, and 18 field guns. Most significantly of all, the Spanish had native allies, including at least 100,000 Tlaxcalans. Overcoming the deficiencies of their weapons, the Aztec warriors fought ferociously and with courage, as noted by the Spanish themselves. On 28 April 1521, Cortés deployed his trump card and logistical marvel: a fleet of 13 specially built warships on Lake Texcoco. These vessels, never before seen by Mesoamericans, were built from the great ships Cortés had ordered wrecked two years before and new supplies from Veracruz. They had been constructed prefabricated so that they could be transported by land to the lake. With these ships, Cortés was able to counter the many thousands of native canoes and block the three main causeways which linked the city to the edges of Lake Texcoco. Each brigantine carried 25 men plus six carrying crossbows and harquebusiers. The Spanish ships were escorted by a large fleet of canoes manned by their allies from Texcoco. Through May and June, men, horses, and ships persistently attacked the Aztec positions, forcing them into an ever-smaller core group within the very centre of Tenochtitlan. In one battle, Cortés was himself briefly captured before his men rescued him. Others were less fortunate and found themselves sacrificial victims. Still, Cortés persisted, systematically blowing up buildings as he tightened the siege. Finally, on 13 August, after 93 days of resistance and long out of food and weapons, Cuauhtémoc surrendered. Indescribable atrocities, acts of revenge, and wild looting then followed.[ ![Aztec victims of smallpox](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/15704.jpg?v=1732147749) Aztec victims of smallpox Unknown author (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15704/aztec-victims-of-smallpox/ "Aztec victims of smallpox") From the ashes of the disaster at Tenochtitlan rose the new capital of the colony of New Spain, and Cortés was made its first governor in May 1523. The capital had fallen, but the Spanish were required to campaign in other parts of the crumbling Aztec Empire until 1525. Cortés had personally led a campaign against the Huaxtecs in 1522. As the Mesoamerican way of life was systematically repressed, and land was parcelled out to the conquerors, Tenochtitlan, with its great lake drained off, gradually morphed into Mexico City, capital of the Viceroy of New Spain, now headed by Don Antonio de Mendoza. ### Honduras Cortés might have delivered a great prize to the Spanish Crown, but he struggled for recognition in the longer term. Soon tiring of administrating, he returned to exploring and conquest in 1523-4, when he organised an expedition to Honduras led by Cristóbal de Olid (b. 1492). De Olid was a long-time companion of Cortés', but, in league with Diego Velázquez, he betrayed his old commander and set himself up as the independent ruler of Honduras. Cortés responded by sending Francisco de las Casas to find and arrest Olid for treason but then thought better of it and departed Mexico City for Honduras himself in October 1524. The land route was a difficult one as it crossed Guatemala, as yet wild and uncharted territory. By the time he got to his destination, Cortés discovered that Olid had already been tried and executed. Cortés then established the new town of Navidad de Nuestra Señora, introduced livestock to the area, and appointed a governor. [ ![Hernán Cortés by Weiditz](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/16090.png?v=1732053365) Hernán Cortés by Weiditz Christoph Weiditz (Public Domain) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16090/hernan-cortes-by-weiditz/ "Hernán Cortés by Weiditz")### [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) & Legacy Cortés next spent time back in Spain, arriving in May 1528 with treasures and 40 Aztecs to wow the court. He persuaded Charles V to grant him great estates in the Americas, the title of Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, and the right to keep one-twelfth of any wealth he acquired. However, Cortés was already becoming a part of history. The now aged and few surviving conquistadors who had risked all for glory had been replaced by professional bureaucrats and evangelising priests. When he returned to Mexico City in the summer of 1530, Cortés was barred from his own mansion by the new governor Gonzalo Nuño de Guzmán (d. 1558). Cortés was obliged to live in his second residence in Cuernavaca. He also became embroiled in many lawsuits from his rivals and former followers who were convinced their leader had taken much more than his fair share of loot during the conquest. There were also cases to be answered for his mistreatment of indigenous peoples, which ranged from the callous mutilation of peace envoys to wholesale massacres. Fortunately for Cortés, there were still a few pockets of unknown territories, and Charles V had promised him he could be "governor of the islands which he might discover in the South Sea \[Pacific Ocean\]" (Cervantes, 240). In the early 1530s, then he left behind all the red tape of New Spain and led an expedition to explore the Pacific coast of Mexico and perhaps find the route to Asia and the Spice Islands [Christopher Columbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Christopher_Columbus/) (1451-1506) had been looking for. Cortés sailed to the north as far as the peninsula of Baja California, and, thinking this an island, he named it Santa Cruz. In 1540, he returned to Spain, and undeterred that he was now in his mid-50s, Cortés campaigned for the Spanish Crown in Algeria in 1541. [ ![Viceroyalty of New Spain, c. 1800](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/16081.png?v=1763044272-1744102811) Viceroyalty of New Spain, c. 1800 Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16081/viceroyalty-of-new-spain-c-1800/ "Viceroyalty of New Spain, c. 1800")Hernán Cortés died of dysentery in Castilleja la Vieja in Spain on 2 December 1547. The great adventurer had been about to depart again for the New World. In his will, the conquistador had expressed a desire to be buried in the land he had conquered, specifically a monastery in Coyoacán. These wishes were ignored, and his remains were interred in a monastery outside Seville. Then, in 1556, Cortés' remains were moved to the church of San Francisco de Texcoco in Mexico. Hardly resting in peace, the remains were later moved to a palace and then to a Franciscan church in Mexico City. In 1794, Cortés was on the move again when his bones were interred in the Hospital de Jesús Nazareno of Mexico City and then moved again in the 19th century to a nearby church, the Jesús Nazareno e Immaculada Concepción, where they rest today. Cortés' titles were inherited by his youngest (and only legitimate son), who became the Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca and so owner of a vast *[encomienda](https://www.worldhistory.org/Encomienda/)*. Hernán Cortés was regarded as a hero in his own lifetime, a man who had conquered new lands, brought riches for the Crown, and swept away a pagan [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) that involved human sacrifice on a massive scale, paving the way for the further spread of [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/). In more modern times, like all conquistadors, Cortés is now regarded more soberly as an opportunist and imperialist whose thirst for gold and taste for evangelism contributed to the systematic destruction of Mesoamerican [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/), a man who was personally responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of indigenous peoples. #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Carballo, David M. *Collision of Worlds.* Oxford University Press, 2020.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0190864354/) - [Cervantes, Fernando. *Conquistadores.* Allen Lane, 2020.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0241242142/) - [Diaz Del Castillo, Bernal & Cohen, John M. & Cohen, John M. *The Conquest of New Spain .* Penguin Books, 1963.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0140441239/) - [Mann, Charles C. *1491.* Vintage, 2006.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1400032059/) - [Olson, James S. *Historical Dictionary of the Spanish Empire, 1402-1975.* Greenwood, 1991.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0313264139/) - [Parry, J.H. (John Horace). *The Spanish Seaborne Empire .* Alfred A Knopf, 1966.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B0000CMUSM/) - [Sheppard, Si & Dennis, Peter. *Tenochtitlan 1519–21.* Osprey Publishing, 2018.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1472820185/) - [THOMAS, Hugh. *The Golden Age.* Allen Lane, 2022.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1846140846/) - [Townsend, Richard F. *The Aztecs .* Thames & Hudson, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0500287910/) ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Timeline - **1485 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) is born in Medellin, Extremadura, Spain. - **1485 CE - 1547 CE**: Life of the Spanish [conquistador](https://www.worldhistory.org/Conquistador/) [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/). - **1499 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) studies [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) at the university of Salamanca. - **1504 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) sails to the New World and settles on Hispaniola. - **1511 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) participates in the Spanish [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of Cuba. - **1519 CE**: Veracruz, Mexico is founded by [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/). - **Mar 1519 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) lands on the Tabasco coast of Mexico. - **Nov 1519 CE**: [Motecuhzoma II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/) receives [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) at the [Aztec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) capital [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/). - **1520 CE**: Cuitláhuac is briefly the successor to [Motecuhzoma II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/) as leader of the [Aztec Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/). - **May 1520 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) is obliged to leave [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/) and face a rival force of conquistadors led by Panfilo de Narváez at Veracruz. - **30 Jun 1520 CE**: The bloody retreat of [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) from [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/) known as the Noche Triste ('Sad Night'). - **30 Jun 1520 CE**: [Death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Aztec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) ruler [Motecuhzoma II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Montezuma/). - **7 Jul 1520 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) defeats a large [Aztec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) army at Otumba. - **31 Dec 1520 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) captures the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of [Texcoco](https://www.worldhistory.org/Texcoco/). - **1521 CE**: [Texcoco](https://www.worldhistory.org/Texcoco/) provides ships and men to aide the Spanish siege of [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/). - **1521 CE - 1525 CE**: Cuauhtémoc reigns as leader of the [Aztec Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/). - **Apr 1521 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) begins the siege of [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/). - **28 Apr 1521 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) deploys 13 specially built warships on Lake [Texcoco](https://www.worldhistory.org/Texcoco/) during the siege of [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/). - **13 Aug 1521 CE**: The [Aztec](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aztec_Civilization/) capital of [Tenochtitlan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenochtitlan/) falls into the hands of Spanish forces led by [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/). - **1522 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) leads an expedition against the Huaxtecs in Mexico. - **1523 CE - 1524 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) organises an expedition to Honduras led by Cristóbal de Olid. - **May 1523 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) is appointed the first governor of the colony of New Spain (Mexico). - **Oct 1524 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) personally leads an expedition to Honduras. - **May 1528 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) returns to Spain and is honoured by Charles V, Holy [Roman Emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/). - **1530 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) returns to Mexico but finds his position usurped by the new governor. - **1531 CE - 1532 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) explores the Pacific coast of North America as far as California. - **1541 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) campaigns for the Spanish Crown in Algeria. - **2 Dec 1547 CE**: [Hernán Cortés](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) dies of dysentery in Castilleja la Vieja in Spain. ## Questions & Answers ### What is Hernán Cortés famous for? The conquistador Hernán Cortés is famous for conquering the Aztec Empire from 1519 to 1521. ### How did Hernán Cortés change the world? Hernán Cortés changed the world by conquering Mesoamerica for the Spanish Crown. The conquest resulted in the wholesale destruction of Mesoamerican culture and peoples. In addition, the conquest inspired other conquistadors to try and emulate it in South America. ### What are 5 facts about Hernán Cortés? Five facts about Hernán Cortés are: he conquered the Aztec Empire; he established the colony of New Spain; he owned vast estates with labourers and slaves; he was given the title of Marquis by the king of Spain; and he explored the Pacific coast of America up to California. ### How did Hernán Cortés conquer the Aztec Empire? Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire by using superior steel and gunpowder weapons, through cavalry, which the Aztecs had never seen before, and by persuading rivals of the Aztecs and their subject peoples to rise up and join the Spanish side. ## External Links - [An Indigenous reframing of the fall of the Aztec empire | British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/indigenous-reframing-fall-aztec-empire) ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2022, June 30). Hernán Cortés. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan\_Cortes/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/) ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Hernán Cortés." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 30, 2022. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan\_Cortes/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/). ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Hernán Cortés." *World History Encyclopedia*, 30 Jun 2022, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan\_Cortes/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hernan_Cortes/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 30 June 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.