Hernan Cortes was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain, and he died on 2nd December 1547 (aged 62 years) Castilleja de la Cuesta, Spain. Hernan Cortes was an intelligent administrator, ruthless fighter, and capable leader. He conquered the Aztec Empire for Spain, killing the Aztec King with the help of the Tlaxcala people. When put in charge of the expedition he landed there with ships, men and cannons to take over the Aztecs. From the New World where he came at the age of nineteen, he moved to Cuba where he became wealthy and powerful. He participated in the conquest of Cuba and Hispaniola and was rewarded with Indian slaves and a large estate of land for his contribution during the expedition.
Do you know: The Gulf of California was originally called the Sea of Cortes.
