What are 10 interesting facts about Hernán Cortés? Was Hernán Cortés a lawyer?

Exploring 10 Intriguing Facts about Hernán Cortés: The Spanish Conquistador

Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, the legendary Spanish conquistador, has left an indelible mark in history for his pivotal role in the fall of the Aztec Empire and the significant territorial expansions that shaped the face of what is now mainland Mexico. Beyond his conquests, Cortés’ life and actions are laced with a tapestry of fascinating facts and tales that enrich his narrative.

1. Not the Firstborn: Hernán Cortés wasn’t the eldest son in his family, which meant he had less inheritance, leading him to seek his fortune elsewhere.
2. Riches and Power in Cuba: His tenure in Cuba saw Cortés amassing both wealth and influence, marking his ascension in the colonial hierarchy.
3. Founding Veracruz: Cortés established the strategic city of Veracruz, a vital foothold for his conquests in the Aztec Empire.
4. Greeted as a Deity: Upon his arrival, Cortés was initially received by the Aztecs with reverence, mistaking him for a deity.
5. Cholula Massacre: The massacre at Cholula marked a dark chapter in his conquest, a brutal event that shook the region.
6. Arrival in Tenochtitlan: Cortés and his army arrived in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, in November 1519, a momentous juncture in his campaign.
7. Kinship with Francisco Pizarro: He shared familial ties as a second cousin once removed to the famed conquistador Francisco Pizarro.
8. Marriage to Catalina Juarez: Cortés tied the knot with Catalina Juarez, marking an aspect of his personal life.
9. Fathering a Child with an Interpreter: He fathered a child with an interpreter, further highlighting the complexities of his relationships.
10. Clash with King Charles V: Despite his accomplishments, Cortés fell out of favor with King Charles V of Spain, which led to a turbulent period in his life.

Did Hernán Cortés Study Law?

Contrary to the wishes of his parents, who envisioned a legal career for their son, Cortés was sent to study law at the young age of fourteen. However, his passion lay beyond legal pursuits. He returned home at sixteen, uninterested in pursuing a legal profession. His thirst for adventure and new horizons, fueled by the stories of Christopher Columbus’ discoveries, ignited a desire in Cortés to explore and witness new lands.

The journey that followed from these early years not only defied his parents’ expectations but also paved the way for one of the most illustrious chapters in the history of exploration and conquest.

Hernán Cortés, a man of complex and multifaceted experiences, moved beyond the traditional expectations placed upon him to etch his name in history as a central figure in the narrative of the New World’s exploration and colonization.