Hernan Cortez

Definition

Hernan Cortez was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.

Related terms

Conquistadors: These were Spanish explorers and warriors who successfully conquered much of America in the 16th century.

Aztec Empire: This was an alliance of three Nahua altepetl city-states: Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. It ruled central Mexico from 1428 until it fell to Cortez's forces in 1521.

Spanish colonization: This refers to Spain's conquests in the New World, which began with Columbus' discovery in 1492 and continued into the late 19th century.