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Hernan Cortes

By rahedb
  • Jan 1, 1485

    Date of Birth

    Date of Birth
    The date of birth is uknown for this historic figure. He was born around 1485 in Medellín, Spain.
  • Oct 10, 1499

    Studies

    Studies
    Some reports indicate that he studied at the University of Salamanca for a time. Latin and Law is believed to be his area of study.
  • Aug 30, 1504

    A Voyage to the New World

    A Voyage to the New World
    In 1504, Cortés left Spain to seek his fortune in New World. He traveled to the island of Santo Domingo, or Hispaniola. Settling in the new town of Azúa, Cortés served as a notary for several years.
  • Jun 1, 1506

    The Spanish take Cuba

    The Spanish take Cuba
    Cortes worked with the governor of Hispaniola, who took Cortes on a conquest of Cuba. Cortes was rewarded with land and slaves.
  • Feb 10, 1511

    Hernan in Cuba

    Hernan in Cuba
    He joined an expedition of Cuba led by Diego Velázquez in 1511. There, Cortés worked in the civil government and served as the mayor of Santiago for a time.
  • Feb 17, 1519

    Expedition to Mexico

    Expedition to Mexico
    In 1518, Cortés was to command his own expedition to Mexico, but Velázquez canceled it. Cortés ignored the order and set sail for Mexico with more than 500 men and 11 ships that fall. In February 1519, the expedition reached the Mexican coast.
  • Jul 13, 1519

    Cortes took over Veracruz

    Cortes took over Veracruz
    Cortes sailed into Veracruz and took it by force. He tried to meet with Montezuma, the Aztec king, but Montezuma refused.
  • Nov 7, 1519

    Cortes takes Montezuma hostage

    Cortes takes Montezuma hostage
    The Aztec people tried to appease Cortes by giving him gold and other treasures. Cortes didn't trust the people, though, and he took Montezuma hostage.
  • Jun 29, 1520

    Cortes kills Montezuma

    Cortes kills Montezuma
    When Montezuma couldn't get the Aztecs to accept Cortes as their leader, Cortes had Montezuma killed.
  • Dec 6, 1520

    A fight with the governor of Cuba

    Valasquez sent men to go to war with Cortes in Mexico. Cortes' men came out the winners.
  • Oct 17, 1521

    Cortes takes over the Aztec Empire

    Cortes takes over the Aztec Empire
    With Montezuma dead, Cortes took over the Aztec's capital city. It was the end of the Aztec Empire.
  • Feb 22, 1522

    The Governor of New Spain

    The Governor of New Spain
    King Charles I of Spain (also known as Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) appointed him the governor of New Spain the following year.
  • Mar 17, 1527

    Cortes is accused

    Cortes is accused
    The king of Spain sent other rulers to New Spain to aid Cortes. When they became sick, others accused Cortes of poisoning them.
  • Jan 2, 1540

    Retirement

    Retirement
    In 1540, Cortés retired to Spain.
  • Dec 7, 1547

    RIP

    RIP
    Cortés died in Spain in 1547.