What did hernán cortés discover

Hernan also Hernando or Fernando Cortes was born in Medellin, Estramadura, in Spain in to a family of minor nobility. Cortes was sent to study law at the University of Salamanca. In He left school to fight in a military expedition but became ill and was forced to stay behind. In he left to seek fortune in the West Indies, eventually joining Diego Velazquez in the conquest of Cuba.

Velazquez was a Spanish soldier and administrator who would later become governor of Cuba. Cortes persuaded Velazquez to give him the command of an expedition to Mexico. Cortes set out to Mexico on February 19, , with about men and 20 horses; despite the fact that Velazquez revoked his permission for the expedition in fear Cortes would not recognize his authority once in position.

One month later in March, Cortes and his entourage landed in Mexico conquering the town of Tabasco.

Hernán cortés family

Cortes learned of the Aztec Empire from the natives of Tabasco who were at awe with the Spaniards. Meanwhile, the Cubans heard that Cortes was wanted back in Spain so they told him to return but Cortes would not obey. Cortes organized an independent government, and renounced the authority of Velazquez, acknowledging only the supreme authority of the Spanish crown.

Two of his men were caught trying to take the boat back to Spain and were killed. After negotiations with Montezuma who was trying to persuade Cortes otherwise, Cortes started his famous march inland. Upon entrance of Tenochtitlan Cortes and his army overcame the Tlascalans and then formed an alliance with them against the Aztecs, their enemies.

Cortes and his army at this time entered the Aztec capital city where Cortes was greeted and welcomed with honor. Apparently there was a prophecy about the return of Quetzalcoatl, a legendary god-king who was light skinned and bearded. Despite the welcomed reception Cortes believed that attempts would be made to drive him out and in return he imprisoned Montezuma and forced him to swear allegiance to Charles I, king of Spain.