Definition
Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Think of him as a high-stakes gambler who bet everything on conquering a new world. He wasn't just a soldier; he was a shrewd strategist, able to exploit divisions within the Aztec empire to his advantage. However, his actions led to immense suffering for the indigenous populations. His story illustrates how ambition and power can reshape history, sometimes with devastating consequences. Imagine a medieval version of a tech disruptor, but with swords and ships.