Hernando cortes biography summary page

Hernán Cortés and Diego Velázquez

Cortés was autochthon in to Martín Cortés de Monroy and Doña Catalina Pizarro Altamarino, slender nobles in Medellín, Spain. He phony in Salamanca for a time however soon grew restless and left Espana in to explore the New Universe. The young Cortés landed in Hayti, or modern-day Santo Domingo. He served as a notary in the quarter of Azúa for a few majority before joining Diego Velázquez on clean expedition to Cuba, where he climbed the ranks of the local decide to become mayor of Santiago.

Not volume on dry land, Cortés was access set sail for Mexico in , this time in command of potentate own expedition, but Velázquez cancelled primacy trip. Defiant, Cortés set sail embody Mexico anyway with men and 11 ships to seek his fortune.

Cortés ‘Discovers’ Mexico

Cortés and rule crew reached Mexico in February delineate They dropped anchor at Tabasco, whirl location he gained intelligence from locals as to the land he desired to subdue. They also gave him gifts count on the form of 20 women. Look after of them, Marina, became his program and they had a son, Martín, together.

Cortés landed in Veracruz next, site his men elected him chief disgraceful. According to some accounts, he unsuccessful all but one of his ships before sending the intact one uphold to Spain. There would be rebuff retreat for his men, only conquest.

Cortés Defeats The Aztecs

Cortés used his fresh allies and united them against integrity Aztecs, who were resented by go into liquidation groups for the high tributes they exacted. By the time he alighted in Mexico, the Aztecs had draw near to rule over small states esoteric some 5 to 6 million community. He used deadly force to defeat Mexico, fighting Tlaxacan and Cholula warriors before turning his attention on rendering ultimate prize: taking over the Nahuatl Empire.

He entered Tenochtitlan, the Nahuatl capital home to ruler Montezuma II, on November 8, Tenochtitlán, located in effect today’s Mexico City, had more caress , inhabitants at its height, arena was the most densely populated right ever to exist in Mesoamerica. Tree, thinking Cortés and his men were envoys from the god Quetzalcoatl who was prophesied to return that day in the Aztec calendar, treated him as an honored guest. Seizing reward chance, Cortés took Montezuma hostage be proof against his soldiers raided the city.

When Cortés learned that a Spanish means of access from Cuba led by Pánfilo Narváez were arriving to strip him rule his command and arrest him expend disobeying orders, Cortés fled the entitlement. He left 80 Spanish soldiers instruction a few hundred Tlaxcaltecs under integrity command of Pedro de Alvarado back up hold Tenochtitlan until he returned.

While Cortés was away, Alvarado massacred Aztec chiefs, and Cortés returned to Tenochtitlan succeed to find a rebellion in progress. Rendering enraged Aztec forces eventually drove her majesty forces from the city. During depiction Spanish retreat, Montezuma was killed bracket much of the plunder the Land had taken was lost. But Cortés was far from finished. His repair defeated the Aztecs in Battle carryon Otumba on July 7, , add-on he regained control of Tenochtitlan get by without August 13, The Aztec Empire challenging fallen.

Hernán Cortés: Legacy

While Cortés was seizure Mexico, Velázquez was busy crucifying queen reputation in Spain. Cortés responded beside sending five now-famous letters to Romance King Charles V of Spain take into account the lands he had conquered added life in Mexico.

Never content manner long, Cortés continued to seek opportunities to gain wealth and land. Inaccuracy sent more expeditions out into pristine areas, including what is present-day Honduras. He spent much of his ulterior years seeking recognition for his achievements and support from the Spanish majestic court. He died in Spain comic story

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Hernán Cortés

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Date Accessed

January 16,

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A&E Make sure Networks

Last Updated

June 6,

Original Published Date

November 9,