Born in Medellin, Spain, Hernan Cortes (1485-1547) first served as a soldier in an expedition of Cuba led by Diego Velazquez in 1511. He ignored orders and traveled to Mexico, setting his sights on overthrowing the Aztec ruler Montezuma II in Tenochitilan. The Aztecs eventually drove the Spanish from Tenochitilan, but Cortes returned to defeat the natives and take the city in 1521, He spent much of his later career seeking recognition for his achievements and support from the Spanish royal court.
Cotrez became allies with some of the native peoples he encountered, but with others he used deadly force to conquer Mexico. He fought Tiaxacan and Choulula warriors and then set his sights on taking over the Aztec empire. He marched to Tenochitilan, the Aztec capital and home to ruler Montezuma II. Cortez took Montezuma hostage and his soldiers raided the city.
Cortez left the city after learning that Spanish troops were coming to arrest him for disobeying orders. He returned to Tenochitilan to find a rebellion in progress. The Aztecs eventually drove the Spanish from the city, but Cortes returned again to defeat them and take the city in 1521. After this victory, Cortez continued to seek opportunities to gain wealth and land.
He sent more expeditions out into new areas, including what is present-day Honduras. He spent much of his later years seeking recognition for his achievements and support from the Spanish royal court. He died in Spain in 1547.
Columbus had landed at San Salvador and explored the West Indies when Cortes was a young boy. Columbus had set sail hoping to find a route to Asia or India. Nutmeg, cloves, pomander, pepper and cinnamon were all in high demand throughout 15th century Europe. Cortes was eager to become part of this dynamic movement. He decided to seek fortune and adventure in Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic and Haiti). In 1504, at the age of 19, Cortes set sail for the New World. He spent seven years on Hispaniola, in the new town of Azua, working as a notary and farmer. Despite his success, Cortes was hungry for more power and greater thrills. He was a smart, ambitious man who wanted to appropriate new land for the Spanish crown, convert native inhabitants to Catholicism and plunder the lands for gold.
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