Early Life
Hernán Cortés was born in approximately 1485 in Medellín, Spain to the parents of Martín Cortés de Monroy and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. He was born to a noble family who's fortune had dwindled over the years. Coming from a long line of a family in law, Cortés went off to study at the University of Salamanca for a little while. But he later returned home to devote his life to "adventure." He later made contact with Ovando, who had been appointed the command for a voyage to Santo Domingo, and traveled there.
Family Life
Cortés was married twice for sure over the course of his life. He had 6 children total. Four daughters and two sons
In the New World
In Santo Domingo, Cortés worked with the ruler who later sent him on a voyage to Cuba in 1511. There he accompanied a Diego Valazquez and his crew. They conquered Cuba and Valazquez became the ruler. Cortés worked along side him in the government.
Finally, in or around 1518, Cortés sailed as commander with some 600 Spaniards with him to Mexico. There they encountered the Aztec folk and their ruler, Montezuma. Cortés was amazed at the riches that the natives had acquired. The natives were amazed at the Spaniards, who appeared to be gods with all their foreign things. Cortés and his men befriended the natives. Only to later on capture and hold Montezuma hostage. There was a great battle in which massive numbers of men died. In the end though, the conquistadors were victorious. The remaining Aztecs refused to accept a new leader as long as Montezuma was still around. So Montezuma was slaughtered and Cortés became "New Spain's" new ruler.
Later Life and Death
Cortés died on December 2, 1547 in Spain. He had returned after having trouble keeping his authority position in New Spain.
Hernán Cortés was born in approximately 1485 in Medellín, Spain to the parents of Martín Cortés de Monroy and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. He was born to a noble family who's fortune had dwindled over the years. Coming from a long line of a family in law, Cortés went off to study at the University of Salamanca for a little while. But he later returned home to devote his life to "adventure." He later made contact with Ovando, who had been appointed the command for a voyage to Santo Domingo, and traveled there.
Family Life
Cortés was married twice for sure over the course of his life. He had 6 children total. Four daughters and two sons
In the New World
In Santo Domingo, Cortés worked with the ruler who later sent him on a voyage to Cuba in 1511. There he accompanied a Diego Valazquez and his crew. They conquered Cuba and Valazquez became the ruler. Cortés worked along side him in the government.
Finally, in or around 1518, Cortés sailed as commander with some 600 Spaniards with him to Mexico. There they encountered the Aztec folk and their ruler, Montezuma. Cortés was amazed at the riches that the natives had acquired. The natives were amazed at the Spaniards, who appeared to be gods with all their foreign things. Cortés and his men befriended the natives. Only to later on capture and hold Montezuma hostage. There was a great battle in which massive numbers of men died. In the end though, the conquistadors were victorious. The remaining Aztecs refused to accept a new leader as long as Montezuma was still around. So Montezuma was slaughtered and Cortés became "New Spain's" new ruler.
Later Life and Death
Cortés died on December 2, 1547 in Spain. He had returned after having trouble keeping his authority position in New Spain.