Hernando Cortes and the Establishment of a City in Mexico
Hernando Cortes, a Spanish conquistador, is known for his role in the colonization of Mexico and the defeat of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. However, Cortes also left a lasting legacy in the form of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. This article explores the life of Hernando Cortes and his establishment of a city in Mexico.
Early Life and Career of Hernando Cortes
Hernando Cortes was born in 1485 in Medellin, Spain. He studied law at the University of Salamanca but left his studies to pursue a career in the military. In 1504, he sailed to Hispaniola, where he served as a notary and later as a farmer. In 1511, he joined the expedition of Diego Velazquez to Cuba, where he was appointed secretary and treasurer. In 1518, Cortes was chosen by Velazquez to lead an expedition to Mexico.
The Arrival of Hernando Cortes in Mexico
Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519 with an expeditionary force of 600 men. He landed on the coast of Yucatan and founded the city of Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz. He then marched inland, where he encountered the Aztec Empire, led by its ruler Moctezuma II. Cortes made his way to the capital city of Tenochtitlan, where he met with Moctezuma and eventually overthrew the Aztec Empire.
The Conquest of the Aztec Empire
Cortes and his men faced numerous obstacles during their conquest of the Aztec Empire. They battled the Aztec army and faced disease and starvation. Despite these challenges, Cortes was able to defeat the Aztecs and capture their capital city of Tenochtitlan in 1521.
The Foundation of the First Capital City
After the conquest, Cortes established the first capital city of Mexico, which he called Ciudad de Mexico. The city was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan and became the center of Spanish power in Mexico. The city grew quickly and became an important cultural and economic hub in the region.
The Search for a New Capital City Site
In the 16th century, Mexico City was plagued by flooding and other environmental problems. As a result, the Spanish began to look for a new site for the capital city. They eventually settled on a location known as the Valle de Anahuac, which was outside the flood zone and had access to fresh water.
The Establishment of a Second Capital City
In 1524, construction of the new capital city began. The city was built according to a grid plan, with wide streets and large public spaces. The new city became known as Mexico City and was officially established as the capital of New Spain in 1535.
The Naming of the New Capital City
The name Mexico comes from the Aztec word Mexica, which was the name of the people who founded the city of Tenochtitlan. Mexico City was named after the ancient capital city of the Aztecs, which had been destroyed by the Spanish.
The Role of Mexico City in the Spanish Empire
Mexico City became an important center of Spanish power in the New World. It served as the capital of New Spain and was the seat of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The city was also an important center of commerce, art, and culture.
The Legacy of Hernando Cortes in Modern Mexico
The legacy of Hernando Cortes is complex and controversial. On the one hand, he is celebrated as a national hero who helped to establish Mexico as a nation. On the other hand, he is criticized for his role in the conquest and colonization of Mexico and the destruction of its indigenous cultures.
Conclusion: Mexico City, a Testament to Hernando Cortes’s Vision
Mexico City stands as a testament to Hernando Cortes’s vision of a great capital city in the New World. Despite its complex history, the city is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that continues to shape the culture and identity of Mexico.
