Hernando Cortés was seven years old when America was discovered by Columbus. At the age of fourteen, he was sent by his parents to the University of Salamanca to sturdy law, but poor health forced him o leaves school before his study were completed.
From a young age, Cortés sought wealth and adventure. After some deliberation, Cortés decided to pursue a clerical position in the Spanish army. Cortés sails to the West Indies in 1504, at the age of nineteen.
Cortés began farming in the Spanish colony, which brought him much wealth, and owned several native slaves. He finally got his first taste of exploration when he joined a mission under led by Diégo Velasquez in 1511.
In 1519, with superior firepower, 600 Spaniards, a dozen horses, and thousands of native allies, Hernán Cortés conquered Mexico for Spain. This also marked the fall of the Aztec Empire When they reached present day Mexico City, they were welcomed into the city.
By 1521, Cortés had completely conquered the Aztecs and became the first governor of New Spain (Mexico). Cortés only return to Spain in 1528.
Hernán Cortés (1485–1547): Spanish conquistador
