Hernan Cortes

Definition

Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that resulted in the fall of Aztec Empire under Montezuma II, and brought large parts of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century.

Related terms

Aztec Empire: A Mesoamerican empire based in Central Mexico that was conquered by Hernan Cortes.

Montezuma II: The ninth ruler of Tenochtitlan, reigning from 1502 to 1520. He was overthrown by the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes.

New Spain: A territory established following the Spanish conquest of Mexico, with its capital at Mexico City.