Colonizacion de mexico por hernan cortes biography

They also gave him gifts in the form of 20 women. According to some accounts, he sunk all but one of his ships before sending the intact one back to Spain. There would be no retreat for his men, only conquest. By the time he arrived in Mexico, the Aztecs had come to rule over small states and some 5 to 6 million people. He used deadly force to conquer Mexico, fighting Tlaxacan and Cholula warriors before turning his attention on the ultimate prize: taking over the Aztec Empire.

He left 80 Spanish soldiers and a few hundred Tlaxcaltecs under the command of Pedro de Alvarado to hold Tenochtitlan until he returned.

Colonizacion de mexico por hernan cortes biography

The enraged Aztec forces eventually drove his forces from the city. During the Spanish retreat , Montezuma was killed and much of the plunder the Spanish had taken was lost. His forces defeated the Aztecs in Battle of Otumba on July 7, , and he regained control of Tenochtitlan by August 13, The Aztec Empire had fallen. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

Was Christopher Columbus a Hero or Villain? Christopher Columbus. Sir Walter Raleigh. Ferdinand Magellan. Leif Eriksson. Vasco da Gama. Bartolomeu Dias. Giovanni da Verrazzano. Jacques Marquette. He travels safest in the dark night who travels lightest. Better to die with honor than live dishonored. Watch Next. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below.