One of the key stops on Cortés’ journey was the ancient city of Cholula, located near modern-day Puebla. Cholula was an important religious and commercial center with a massive pyramid dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl. Cortés initially received a warm welcome in Cholula, but tensions soon escalated. Fearing a potential ambush, Cortés preem

After securing Veracruz and sending letters back to Spain to announce his intentions, Cortés began his march inland with approximately 500 soldiers, 16 horses, a few cannons, and supplies. Though modest in number, this force was bolstered by the technological advantages of European weaponry and cavalry. The initial journey led the Spaniards thr

Introduction The expedition of Hernán Cortés from the Gulf Coast port of Veracruz to the magnificent Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1519 remains one of the most significant journeys in the history of exploration and conquest. This journey not only marked the beginning of the fall of the Aztec Empire but also symbolized the collision between tw

Hernán Cortés’ legacy is complex and contested. On one hand, he is credited with opening the Americas to European exploration and establishing the foundations of modern Mexico. His strategic genius, diplomacy, and leadership changed world history. On the other hand, Cortés’ conquest wrought devastating consequences for indigenous peoples: