Cortés, the conqueror in search of legitimacy

This article is taken from

a special file on the conquest of the New World.

Le Figaro Le Figaro

Hernán Cortés, the conqueror of Mexico, is one of the most abused figures in history.

To the jealousy of the Emperor Charles V, which he had to face during his lifetime, were added the denigrations of a "

" drawn up in the 19th century, which did not hesitate to present him as the archetype of greedy and brutal conquistador, massacre of Indians, drunk with gold and blood.

But the real Cortés bears no resemblance to his distorted image.

In truth, one cannot imagine a more atypical conquistador.

See also

by Fernando Cervantes: Conquerors of the Impossible

Born in Medellín in 1485 into an old Extremaduran aristocratic family, he was not born poor, but belonged to the losing side: he grew up in a family that was ruined for opposing Isabella the Catholic.

He nevertheless received a very complete education, with private tutors, fencing masters, masters...

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