Hernan Cortes

Hernán Cortés was born to Martín Cortés de Monroy and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano in Medellín, Extremadura, Spain.

Cortés is sent to the University of Salamanca to study law and gain a classical education, but he leaves after two years, unsatisfied with his studies.

Cortés embarks on his first voyage to the New World, arriving in Santo Domingo, where he works as a notary and becomes involved in colonial affairs.

Cortés moves to Cuba, where he serves as a notary in the town of Santiago and becomes a close friend of the governor, Diego Velázquez.

Cortés joins the expedition led by Diego Velázquez to conquer Cuba, where he distinguishes himself and is appointed a municipal official in Santiago.

Diego Velázquez appoints Cortés to lead an expedition to the mainland of Mexico, but later revokes the order. Cortés defies the order and sets sail anyway.

Cortés lands in Veracruz and begins his campaign against the Aztec Empire. He meets Moctezuma II, the Aztec ruler, and establishes a presence in the region.

Cortés and his forces, along with indigenous allies, overthrow the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, marking a significant victory in the conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Cortés founds Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, establishing it as the capital of New Spain and a center of Spanish colonial power.

Cortés returns to Spain to defend his actions and seek recognition from Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain.

Charles V appoints Cortés as the Governor, Captain-General, and Chief Justice of New Spain, formalizing his authority over the region.

Cortés returns to New Spain, where he faces political challenges and accusations of overstepping his authority. He works to consolidate his power and maintain control.

Cortés leads an expedition to explore the Pacific coast of Mexico, discovering the Gulf of California and establishing a presence in the region.

Cortés mounts an expedition to explore Baja California, hoping to find a strait connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, but the mission is ultimately unsuccessful.

Cortés retires to Seville, Spain, where he lives a life of relative comfort but continues to face financial and legal challenges related to his conquests.

Hernán Cortés dies in Seville, Spain, leaving behind a complex legacy as a key figure in the Spanish conquest of the Americas and the establishment of New Spain.