Hernando Cortes
Hernando Cortes (1485-1547), Spanish conqueror of Mexico. He settled as a farmer in Santo Domingo in 1504. Sent to explore Mexico in 1519, he marched in-land, using force and diplomacy to overcome all opposition. He finally reached the capital (now Mexico City) and was welcomed by the Aztec emperor Montezuma as the reincarnation of a Mexican deity. How-ever, Montezuma was killed during a revolt against the invaders and Cortes was forced to leave. In 1521 he returned and conquered the whole country after a siege of several months during which 50,000 Mexicans died from famine and the plague, and was appointed captain-general at Mexico in 1522.
