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The date of birth is uknown for this historic figure. He was born around 1485 in Medellín, Spain.
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Some reports indicate that he studied at the University of Salamanca for a time. Latin and Law is believed to be his area of study.
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In 1504, Cortés left Spain to seek his fortune in New World. He traveled to the island of Santo Domingo, or Hispaniola. Settling in the new town of Azúa, Cortés served as a notary for several years.
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Cortes worked with the governor of Hispaniola, who took Cortes on a conquest of Cuba. Cortes was rewarded with land and slaves.
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He joined an expedition of Cuba led by Diego Velázquez in 1511. There, Cortés worked in the civil government and served as the mayor of Santiago for a time.
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In 1518, Cortés was to command his own expedition to Mexico, but Velázquez canceled it. Cortés ignored the order and set sail for Mexico with more than 500 men and 11 ships that fall. In February 1519, the expedition reached the Mexican coast.
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Cortes sailed into Veracruz and took it by force. He tried to meet with Montezuma, the Aztec king, but Montezuma refused.
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The Aztec people tried to appease Cortes by giving him gold and other treasures. Cortes didn't trust the people, though, and he took Montezuma hostage.
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When Montezuma couldn't get the Aztecs to accept Cortes as their leader, Cortes had Montezuma killed.
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Valasquez sent men to go to war with Cortes in Mexico. Cortes' men came out the winners.
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With Montezuma dead, Cortes took over the Aztec's capital city. It was the end of the Aztec Empire.
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King Charles I of Spain (also known as Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) appointed him the governor of New Spain the following year.
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The king of Spain sent other rulers to New Spain to aid Cortes. When they became sick, others accused Cortes of poisoning them.
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In 1540, Cortés retired to Spain.
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Cortés died in Spain in 1547.
