Hernán Cortés

Profession: Spanish Conquistador

Nationality:

Biography: Hernán Cortés was a Spanish Conquistador who is best known for leading an expedition that resulted in the downfall of the Aztec Empire. This expedition brought large parts of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Cortés' exploration and subsequent conquest of the Aztec Empire brought significant wealth and power to Spain and expanded the Spanish Empire.

Cortés' initial interaction with the Aztec people was marked by diplomacy. He was able to establish alliances with some indigenous peoples, notably the Tlaxcaltecas and other rivals of the Aztecs. These alliances played a critical role in the eventual fall of the Aztec Empire.

The meeting between Cortés and the Aztec emperor Montezuma II is one of the most famous encounters in history. While there are varying accounts of this meeting, it's generally accepted that Montezuma was taken prisoner by Cortés in his own palace. This event precipitated the rapid decline of the Aztec Empire.

Birthplace: Medellin, Castile, Spain

Died: December 2, 1547
Cause of Death: Pleurisy