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1485
Birth of Cortes
Hernan Cortes was born. Despite his success, he came from a lesser noble family at Medellin, Spain. He grew up there and a few years later, for some time he studied at the University of Salamanca. -
Jan 1, 1504
Cortes Going to the New World
Hernan Cortes set sail for the new world landing at Hispaniola, where he settled in the new town of Azua. That is where he served as a Notary. Afterward, he set out on an expedition of Cuba with Diego Velazquez. -
Nov 1, 1518
Cortes Expedition of Mexico
Hernan Cortes was to command his own expedition to Mexico. However his old commander, Diego Velazquez canceled it. Then, Cortes went anyway with 11 ships. -
Feb 1, 1519
Cortes's Arrival
Hernan Cortes arrived at Mexico. Oddly, he asked a fellow conquistador to burn the ships. When the man laughed, Cortes stabbed him in the chest with his rapier. -
Feb 2, 1519
Cortes and the Native Americans
Hernan Cortes continued on his mission to conquer Mexico. He found Native Americans, and tried to form a few alliances. However, some natives had gold, and those he killed. -
Jan 1, 1520
Cortes and the Aztecs
Hernan Cortes found the Aztecs. Thinking to an old prophecy, they thought he was a god. They offered him lots of gold, and he wanted more. -
Jan 2, 1520
Cortes's Raid Against the Aztecs
Hernan Cortes walked into the Aztec Capitol, Tenochtitlan, where the Aztec ruler, Montezuma II lived. He then took Montezuma hostage. He ordered his men to raid the city. -
Jan 1, 1521
Hernan Cortes Leaving the Capitol
Hernan Cortes fled Tenochtitlan when he learned the Spanish were coming to arrest him for disobeying orders. Ever since he fled, the Spanish caught up to him. He had to face off with some officers, but made it so he wouldn’t be arrested. -
Jan 2, 1521
Cortes's Return to Tenochtitlan
Hernan Cortes returned to the city, only finding disappointment that the Aztec forced the Spaniards out. He eventually conquered the entire country of Mexico, the Aztec Empire included, and called it New Spain. He was then appointed Governor of New Spain by King Charles I in 1522. -
Dec 2, 1547
Death of Cortes
After retiring to spain, he got dysentery. This resulted in pleurisy. He lived a total of 62 years from birth to death.
