EXPLORERS

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

Hernando Cortes

Hernan Cortes is a Spanish Conquistador famous for leading the expedition to modern-day Mexico and conquering the Aztec Empire.

He has been criticized for the inhumane treatment of the locals and destroying Aztec temples and buildings.

Cortes was born in Medellín, Spain in 1485. His father was Martín Cortés de Monroy, a captain in the Spanish army and his mother was Catalina Pizarro Altamirano. He came from an influential family.

Cortes’ father sent him to law school when he turned 14, but he was not interested and later returned home at 16.

When Cortes heard of Christopher Columbus’ discoveries, he also wanted a piece of the new world for himself.

1. Cortes went by another name during his lifetime

Although he is know amongst historians as Hernan, during his lifetime he went by the name Hernando.

This was found out through the document he signed with the name Hernando or Fernando.

It is believed that historians shortened the name to Hernan.

2. Hernando Cortes had a large family

Hernando’s first wife was Catalina Juárez. They did not have children together.

He had several extramarital affairs with indigenous women while on his expeditions. He had five children from these relationships, including his famous mistress Malinche.

After the death of his first wife, Hernando married Juana Ramirez de Arellano y Zuniga in 1528.

They had six children, two boys and four girls. The first two died shortly after birth.

Hernando never denied any of his children.

3. Hernando did not want to be a lawyer

When Hernando turned 14, He was sent to law school in Salamanca by his father. Little did they know that being a lawyer was the last thing in his mind.

While in Salamanca, Hernando studied Latin instead and worked as a lawyer although he did not attend law classes.

These skills and knowledge proved to be more helpful to him once he set off on his expedition.

4. Hernando’s lover, translator and adviser

Hernando was gifted 20 women by a local leader in the town of Potonchan during one of his visits. These women were meant to be his slaves.

Among the women was a teenager girl named Malinche, she was from the Nahuatl-speaking region.

She soon became an asset because she could speak Spanish too. Hernando used these skills during his expedition; she acted as a translator as well as his mistress.

Malinche also acted as his adviser, she saved the Spanish more than once from Aztec attacks.

Hernando and Malinche had a child together named Martin.

5. Hernando Cortes burnt all but 1 ship

In 1518 Hernando ignored orders to go to Mexico by the governor Diego Velázquez who had the expedition cancelled.

In his defiance, Hernando set sail to Mexico, 500 men strong and 11 ships. He and his men arrived in Mexico in February 1519.

Hernando and his men could take over Veracruz, in order to discourage any thought of retreat; he ordered the burning of his ships but one which was sent to Spain.

Some say that he had ordered the sinking of the ships. They fought against Montezuma who they took as hostage while Hernando’s army destroyed the city.

But as fate would have it, they lost all the treasure they stole from Aztec as they were forced to flee from the town by angry Mexican warriors after the death of Montezuma.

6. Hernando and the mysterious death of his wife

After a victorious battle against the Aztec Empire, Hernando received an unexpected visitor.

His wife Catalina Suarez joined him in Mexico; she had been left in Cuba. Although she was not pleased with her husband’s mistress, she stayed anyway.

On November 1, 1522, Cortes hosted a party where his wife Catalina is said to have made mean comments about the Indians invited to the party.

Hernando is said to have been infuriated by this. That same night Catalina died. He claimed that she died from a heart related complication; although many people did not believe this version.

Catalina’s body is said to have bruises on the neck. Hernando is also said to have been physically abusive to Catalina during their marriage.

7. Hernando Cortes struggle with power  

In 1523 Hernando Cortes was named the governor and general captain of New Spain. He was feared by the people he served and was seen as being too powerful.

The King of Spain asked that he returns to Spain. He retained his position as the general captain.

This position was less powerful and with it came a lot of restrictions because his movements were monitored.

He later continued his explorations in Central America. He failed to conquer any land; instead he discovered and named California.

8. Hernando Cortes was related to Francisco Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador known for his expedition that led to the defeat of the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest of Peru.

He was related to Fernando’s mother and therefore a distant uncle to Hernando. Just like Pizarro, Hernando also made his name as a conquistador.

Hernando was also related to the governor of Cuba Velasquez, he married his sister-in-law Catalina while he  was in Cuba.

9. Hernando was a cruel master

After conquering and destroying Tenochtitlan, Hernando began build a European style city on the ruins.

He introduced a system called encomienda. It was a grant giving power to the rich colonial masters the right to force the natives to unpaid labor.

He also took land from the natives and made them slaves to the rich and ruling class. This saw the abandonment of the Aztec culture, language, religion, and education.

10. Hernando Cortes Final days

Hernando Cortes life went on a downward spiral towards his last days. His quest to conquer more territories, Hernando’s attempt to take over Algiers failed.

He luckily survived when his ship sunk. His ties with the King of Spain were severed.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking