Historical Events tagged with "conquistador"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Exploration & Discovery

Hernán Cortés establishes Veracruz settlement

April 22nd, 1519 505 years ago

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés founded Veracruz as the first settlement on the mainland of the New World after his arrival from Spain. This location served as a crucial base for his expedition to explore and conquer the Aztec Empire. Cortés aimed to establish Spanish authority and foster relations with the indigenous people. The settlement was strategically chosen near the coast, facilitating further interactions and expeditions into the interior of Mexico.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Cortés' Victory Over Tabascan Indians

March 25th, 1519 505 years ago

Hernán Cortés, leading an expedition through Mexico, confronted and defeated the Tabascan Indians in the province of Tabasco. This encounter marked the first significant battle between Spanish conquistadors and indigenous forces, highlighting Cortés' military strategy and the initial resistance faced by the Spaniards. The victory resulted in the capture of valuable resources and bolstered Cortés' reputation among his men, aiding his campaign further into the Aztec Empire.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Cortés Initiates Quest for Aztec Wealth

March 4th, 1519 506 years ago

Hernán Cortés arrived on the coast of Mexico with a small force of Spanish conquistadors, driven by the desire to discover the legendary wealth of the Aztecs. The expedition began with the landing at Veracruz, where Cortés aimed to establish contact with the indigenous peoples and learn of their riches. His arrival marked the starting point of a conquest that would drastically change the course of Mesoamerican history.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

Ponce de León Lands in Florida

April 2nd, 1513 511 years ago

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León made landfall in Florida after spotting land on March 27. He landed somewhere between the modern city of St. Augustine and the St. Johns River mouth. Ponce de León was seeking new territories and had heard tales of a rejuvenating spring, believed to be in this region. The exploration was part of his broader voyage commissioned by the Spanish crown to expand their influence in the New World.

Continue Reading