Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador, is best known for his expedition that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire. His journey began in 1519 when he set sail from Cuba with a fleet of 11 ships and around 600 men. Cortes landed on the Yucatan Peninsula, near present-day Veracruz, Mexico. From there, he marched inland, following a route that took him through various indigenous territories.
Cortes first moved to the city of Cempoala, where he formed alliances with local tribes who were enemies of the Aztecs. He then continued to Tlaxcala, where he faced resistance but eventually secured another alliance. These alliances were crucial as they provided Cortes with additional warriors and resources.
After securing these alliances, Cortes marched towards Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. Along the way, he passed through Cholula, where he reportedly ordered a massacre to intimidate other potential adversaries. Finally, Cortes arrived at Tenochtitlan in November 1519, where he was initially welcomed by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.
Cortes’ route was not just a physical journey but also a strategic one, as he leveraged alliances and military tactics to achieve his goal of conquering the Aztec Empire.