Hernando cortes mini biography of sylvester

Hernando Cortes  ©Cortés was a Spanish conquistador (soldier and explorer) who conquered the vast Aztec empire in central America.

Hernán (or Hernando) Cortés was born in in Medellín, western Spain.

He initially studied law but left university to make his fortune in the Americas.

In he sailed for Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), moving to Cuba in where he assisted Diego Velázquez in his conquest of the island and made his reputation for courage and daring.

In Cortés persuaded Velázquez, who was now governor, to make him commander of an expedition to Mexico.

It had only recently been discovered by Europeans and was rumoured to contain great wealth.

Hernando cortes mini biography of sylvester stallone

Shortly before Cortés set sail, Velázquez, who was now suspicious of his motives, cancelled his commission. Cortés ignored Velázquez and set out. On arrival he established a settlement (now Veracruz) and made local allies.

The major civilisation in the region was that of the Aztecs, led by Montezuma II.