Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar was a Spanish conquistador born around 1465 in Seville. He is best known for leading the expedition that resulted in the conquest of Cuba in 1511. Velázquez served as the first governor of Cuba and played a significant role in establishing Spanish settlements on the island. In addition to his governance, Velázquez was instrumental in the exploration of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico. His efforts contributed to the expansion of Spanish influence in the Americas during the early 16th century, paving the way for further conquests and colonization.