On December 2, 1547, Hernán Cortés passed away in Spain. He had lived a life filled with adventure, ambition, and controversy. Many see him as a brave explorer, while others view him as a ruthless conqueror. His story is one of power, strategy, and the clash of two great civilizations.
Who Was Hernán Cortés?
Hernán Cortés was a Spanish explorer and soldier. He is most famous for defeating the Aztec Empire and claiming Mexico for Spain. Born around 1485 in Medellín, Spain, he came from a minor noble family. He was smart, ambitious, and eager to make a name for himself.
At the age of 19, Cortés left Spain to seek fortune in the New World. He first traveled to Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and later joined an expedition to Cuba. His real journey, however, began in 1518 when he set sail for Mexico.
The Journey to Mexico
Cortés was originally sent to explore Mexico by the Spanish governor of Cuba, Diego Velázquez. However, Velázquez changed his mind and canceled the expedition. Cortés ignored the order and set sail anyway. He arrived on the Mexican coast in 1519 with about 500 men and 11 ships.
To prevent his men from leaving, Cortés ordered the destruction of his ships. This bold move made it clear: there was no turning back.
The Aztec Empire and Montezuma
At that time, the Aztecs ruled much of Mexico. Their capital, Tenochtitlán, was a massive city built on an island in a lake. The Aztec emperor, Montezuma II, ruled over millions of people.
Cortés quickly formed alliances with some Indigenous groups who opposed the Aztecs. With their help, he marched to Tenochtitlán. At first, Montezuma welcomed the Spaniards, believing they might be gods. However, Cortés soon took Montezuma prisoner, using him to control the city.
The situation did not last. The Aztecs eventually rebelled, forcing the Spanish to flee. Montezuma was killed, though the details remain unclear. Some say he was stoned to death by his own people. Others believe the Spanish murdered him.
The Fall of the Aztecs
Cortés regrouped and returned with more soldiers. In 1521, after a brutal siege, Tenochtitlán fell. The Spanish destroyed the city, killing thousands. The once-great Aztec Empire was no more. Spain now controlled Mexico, which they called New Spain.
Later Years and Death
Despite his great victory, Cortés faced challenges. He was removed as governor of New Spain in 1528. Though he led further expeditions, he never regained his former power. He returned to Spain, spending his last years seeking recognition for his achievements.
On December 2, 1547, Hernán Cortés died in Spain. He was 62 years old.
Legacy
Cortés changed history. His conquest of the Aztecs marked the beginning of Spanish rule in Mexico. Some see him as a fearless leader. Others view him as a brutal invader responsible for destruction and death.
Regardless of perspective, his impact is undeniable. The world we know today would be very different without him.