apr 9, 1485 - Hernando Cortes
Description:
(1485-1547)Born in Medellin, Spain, Hernando at a young age had been interested in sea-faring. When he was 19 he had sailed to the island of Hispaniola where he worked as a farmer. In 1511 he sailed under Diego Velaquez to conquer Cuba, soon after Velaquez sent Hernando to create a colony on the Mexican coast. Hernando defied Velaquez’s orders of creating a colony and sent 500 soldiers and 11 ships to conquer Mexico from the Aztec Empire. After making allies with local tribes, Hernando started a siege on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán. The first raid was unsuccessful, however, the Aztec casualties were adding up. A year later Hernando ordered the second raid and successfully took the capital and ended the Aztec Empire.
Added to timeline:
Date:
apr 9, 1485
Now
~ 540 years ago