Hernan Cortes

Date of Birth: 1485

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: December 2, 1547

Biography

Hernán Cortés, also known as Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, was a Spanish Conquistador born in 1485 in Medellín, Spain. He is most famous for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire and bringing large parts of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Cortés initially studied law at the University of Salamanca but left to seek fortune and adventure in the New World. He arrived in Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic) in 1504 and later joined the conquest of Cuba. Cortés was appointed by the governor of Cuba to lead an expedition to the mainland, which culminated in his arrival on the Yucatán Peninsula in 1519. His strategic alliances with indigenous peoples, along with superior weaponry and tactics, allowed him to capture the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521. He was appointed Governor of New Spain by King Charles I of Spain but faced numerous political challenges and accusations later in his career. Cortés returned to Spain in 1541, where he spent his remaining years. He passed away on December 2, 1547, in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain.

5 Interesting Facts about Hernan Cortes

1. Hernán Cortés was originally intended to study law, but he abandoned his studies to seek adventure in the New World.

2. Cortés formed alliances with indigenous tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs, which was crucial to his success in conquering the Aztec Empire.

3. He is often credited with introducing European crops and livestock to Mexico, which had a lasting impact on the region’s agriculture.

4. Cortés was known for his ruthless tactics, including the destruction of his own ships to prevent his men from retreating.

5. Despite his achievements, Cortés faced numerous political and legal challenges in his later years, including being stripped of his governorship.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hernan Cortes

1. “I and my companions suffer from a disease of the heart which can be cured only with gold.”

2. “We Spaniards know a sickness of the heart that only gold can cure.”

3. “I have come to win gold, not to plow the fields like a peasant.”

4. “He travels the fastest who travels alone.”

5. “If the King of Spain were to offer me the whole world, I would not accept it in exchange for my honor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Cortés amassed significant wealth through his conquests, with his highest net worth estimated to be equivalent to several billion dollars in today’s terms, primarily through gold and other treasures.

Children

Hernán Cortés had several children, both legitimate and illegitimate. His legitimate children include: 1. Martín Cortés, who became the second Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca. 2. Luis Cortés 3. Catalina Cortés He also had several illegitimate children, including: 1. Martín Cortés (with La Malinche, an indigenous woman who played a crucial role in his conquests) 2. María Cortés 3. Leonor Cortés