During the late 1400s, spanish explorers and soldiers arrived in the Americas. The soldiers, conquistadors, came to explore new lands, search for gold, and spread their catholic religion.

Hernán Cortés

Moctezumam II

Cortés conquers the Aztecs

Aztec emperor
-he heard of the group searching for gold
-he believed Cortés to be a god
-Cortés resembled the god's description from the legend

Moctezuma sent gifts to Cortés, including gold. Searching for more gold. Moctezuma was killed in a battle between Idian and Soanish forces

-led a small group of conquistadors
-reached Mexico in 1519
-his groups and himself were searching for gold