Introduction to Hernan Cortes

My podcast is part of my video bar.

Voyages

Hernan Cortes made other voyages through the Pacific Ocean and Africa. In the Pacific Ocean, he found La Paz Bay and claimed the land, which actually turned out to be poor so he gave up that land. He also lead expeditions to Africa which killed several people who went with him.

Early Years

Cortes was born in 1485 to Martin Cortes de Monroy and Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. He was sent to study law at the University of Salamanca at the age of fourteen. After two years, he returned home and begged his parents to go to the New World for fortune. His parents were dying to get him out of their house, for he was restless and a troublemaker, so they agreed. During his early years, he also had several affairs with women. One affair even caused him to severely injure himself.

The Aztec Empire Conquest

Hernan Cortes was the conqueror of the Aztecs. He pacified the area around the city of Tenochtilan, heart of their kingdom, and gained several allies. The Aztec ruler, Motecuhzoma, was already dead which was one of the events that lead to the Aztec downfall. The final force involved a blockade and a massacre of lives and property. After the siege of Tenochtilan, Cortes built Mexico City in its place.

Hernan Cortes' Appearance

Hernan Cortes had a quite unimpressive appearance. He was short, thin, and bowlegged. The color of his reddish-brown hair offset his pale skin. Looks were the least of Cortes' concerns, though. He only cared about wealth and fortune.

Hernan Cortes' Personality

Hernan Cortes was a cruel, greedy, ruthless, wild, and restless man his entire life. Nothing about him was nice or pleasant. He showed no mercy in battle and lived for fortune. He was tricky and terrible to several people and caused numerous deaths.