Hernan Cortes

Date of Birth: 1485

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: December 2, 1547

Biography

Hernán Cortés, born Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Born into a lesser noble family in Medellín, Spain, Cortés initially studied law but abandoned his studies to seek fortune and adventure in the New World. He first arrived in Hispaniola in 1504 and later participated in the conquest of Cuba. In 1519, with the authorization of the Governor of Cuba, Cortés led an expedition to the mainland, where he encountered the powerful Aztec Empire. Through a combination of military prowess, strategic alliances with indigenous tribes, and sheer audacity, Cortés successfully captured the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521. His actions laid the groundwork for Spanish colonization in the Americas, though they also resulted in significant destruction and loss of life among the indigenous populations. Cortés was later appointed the governor of New Spain but faced various political challenges and returned to Spain in 1541. He died in 1547, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy.

5 Interesting Facts about Hernan Cortes

1. Hernán Cortés was known for his strategic use of alliances with indigenous tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs.

2. Cortés burned his ships upon arrival to prevent his men from retreating, symbolizing his commitment to conquest.

3. Malinche, an indigenous woman, played a crucial role as Cortés’s interpreter, advisor, and intermediary.

4. Cortés’s expedition was unauthorized by the Spanish Crown, leading to legal battles and his temporary removal from power.

5. Cortés built the first European-style buildings in the Americas, including a palace in what is now Mexico City.

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. “There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those.”

4. “If the opportunity be not given, seize it; if it be, make the best of it.”

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

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Hernán Cortés is difficult to calculate accurately but is estimated to have been in the millions of pesos during his lifetime, making him one of the wealthiest men in the Spanish Empire at the time.

Children

Hernán Cortés had several children, both legitimate and illegitimate. His legitimate children with his second wife, Doña Juana de Zúñiga, include: 1. Martín Cortés, who became the second Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca. 2. María Cortés de Zúñiga. He also had several illegitimate children, including: 1. Martín Cortés (with La Malinche), who played a significant role in the early colonial period. 2. Luis Cortés. 3. Catalina Cortés.