Which Spanish explorer conquered the Aztecs? The answer to this question is Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador who played a pivotal role in the fall of the Aztec Empire. His expedition, which began in 1519, led to the collapse of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas at the time.
Hernán Cortés was born in Medellín, Spain, in 1485. He was part of a family of minor nobility and showed a keen interest in exploration and conquest from a young age. In 1511, Cortés joined an expedition to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, where he became fascinated with the Aztec Empire, led by Emperor Moctezuma II.
After returning to Spain, Cortés sought permission from King Charles I to conquer the Aztecs. Initially, the king was skeptical, but Cortés managed to gather a small force of 500 men, along with indigenous allies who were unhappy with the Aztec rule. In April 1519, Cortés set sail for Mexico, landing at Veracruz.
Upon arrival, Cortés quickly established alliances with local tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs. He used these alliances to gather intelligence and resources, which helped him in his quest to conquer the Aztecs. One of the most significant factors in Cortés’ success was the use of smallpox, which had been introduced to the Americas by European explorers. The disease decimated the Aztec population, weakening their resistance.
In November 1519, Cortés and his forces entered the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, which was located on an island in Lake Texcoco. Moctezuma initially welcomed Cortés, hoping to learn more about the Spanish and their intentions. However, tensions soon escalated, and Cortés’ men captured Moctezuma, forcing him to surrender the city.
With Moctezuma’s capture, Cortés’ forces were able to take control of Tenochtitlán. In 1521, after a prolonged siege, the Spanish finally conquered the Aztecs. The fall of the Aztec Empire marked the beginning of Spanish rule in Mexico and the end of one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas.
Hernán Cortés’ conquest of the Aztecs was a complex and controversial event. While many view him as a hero for bringing Christianity to the indigenous peoples and establishing Spanish rule, others criticize him for the brutal treatment of the Aztecs and the widespread destruction of their culture. Nonetheless, Cortés’ role in the conquest of the Aztecs is undeniable, and his legacy continues to be a subject of debate and study to this day.
