Hernan (Hernando) Cortes
1485-1547
The explorer I would follow is...
The explorer I would follow is Hernan (Hernando) Cortes. Born around 1485, Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who defeated the Aztec empire and claimed Mexico for Spain. Hernando Cortes was a young explorer who started his early life as a Mayor for the city of Santo Domingo. He first set sail to the New World at the age of 19. Cortes later joined an expedition to Cuba. It was in Cuba alongside Diego Velazquez, that he built his reputation for cunning, daring and learned the art of war-mongering.
Hernando was a part of a Cuban expedition. In 1518, he set off to explore Mexico. There he strategically aligned some native peoples against others to overthrow them. King Charles I appointed him governor of New Spain in 1522. Cortes died in Spain in 1547. To learn more about Hernando Cortes' life click on the following link:
http://www.biography.com/people/hern%C3%A1n-cort%C3%A9s-9258320
What Nation he sailed for
Cortes left with over 500 men and 11 ships. For a map of his route visit http://hernandocortes75.weebly.com/voyages.html. In 1519 He reached the Mexican coast. Hernando became allies with some of the natives that he met during his time there.
Hernando's route
Hernan
Aztec Calendar
How Hernando Died
Cortes left the city he was in because he found out Spanish troops were coming to arrest him for disobeying orders. The man who conquered Mexico died on December 2, 1547. He died from a case of Pleurisy. Pleurisy is a disease where the lungs become inflamed. For more information about this illness go to http://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-pleurisy-basics
Why was Hernando Cortes so important?
Hernan Cortes strategically defeated the Aztec empire, one of the most powerful and brutal indigenous groups in Mexico. His conquest brought Mexico under Spanish rule and secured an abundance of gold for Spain's monarch, King Charles. Cortes planned and oversaw the building of Mexico City, the country's modern capital, and opened the door to further conquest in Latin America.