Hernán Cortés was born in Castile in 1485. His father was an infantry captain of lesser nobility. Described as a sickly child Cortés was sent off to study but was tired of schooling rather quickly and returned home, to the disappointment of his parents. However, it was not long before he heard news of the discoveries Columbus had made in the New World.
In 1503 he would finally arrive in the New World and begin his rise to fame. Eventually becomming mayor of cuba and a man in good standings, he began to think beyond the life he currently lived.
In 1518 he was put incharge of an expedition to explore and colonize Mexico. He quickly was able to make alliances with the native peoples, Moctezuma being one who trusted him most. However, as the Spaniards gained power and wealth in the region they managed to turn the tables on Moctezuma and overrule his empire. With help from nearby troops from Cuba and other various reinforcements, he was able to defeat the kingdom and pave the way for the invasion of Mexico, which to this day is concidered his greatest feat.
After many other explorations, debts, and deteriorating relations with the government, he died with dysentery in 1547.
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