Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador known for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire. Born in 1485 in Spain, he played a crucial role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas, driven by the pursuit of wealth and glory. Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 and formed alliances with local tribes, ultimately capturing the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521. His actions significantly impacted the history of Mexico and the indigenous populations, leading to the establishment of Spanish rule in the region.