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This is where Hernan Cortes lived before going to Mexico. The governor of Cuba was Diego Velazquez who didn't authorize Hernan Cotes to explore the lands to the West.

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A Mayan-controlled island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Cortés freed Jerónimo de Aguilar, a Spanish castaway who became a translator for the expedition. The Spanish destroyed native religious idols and introduced Christianity.

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The Battle of Centla (March 1519) occurred here, where Cortés defeated the Chontal Maya. The locals gave Cortés gold, food, and enslaved people, including Malintzin (La Malinche), who later became his main interpreter and adviser.

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San Juan de Ulúa, Faros, Heroica Veracruz, Ver.

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501 años de la fundación la Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz

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San Juan de Ulúa, Faros, Heroica Veracruz, Ver.

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San Juan de Ulúa, Faros, Heroica Veracruz, Ver.

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A small island near modern-day Veracruz, where Cortés first met Mexica (Aztec) envoys sent by Emperor Moctezuma. He established La Villa Rica de la Veracruz, the first Spanish settlement on the Mexican mainland, and officially renounced Cuban authority to lead the conquest himself.

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The Totonacs, ruled by the city of Cempoala, allied with Cortés against the Aztecs. They complained about paying tribute to the Aztecs, and Cortés encouraged them to rebel. This alliance provided thousands of warriors to fight alongside the Spanish.

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The Tlaxcalans were enemies of the Aztecs and fought the Spanish in several battles in September 1519. After realizing the Spanish could help defeat the Aztecs, they allied with Cortés. The Tlaxcalans became Cortés’ most loyal allies, supplying thousands of warriors, food, and shelter.

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First Spanish settlement on the mainland and Cortés' base for launching the conquest. Cortés landed at San Juan de Ulúa and met Aztec envoys sent by Emperor Moctezuma. To gain full control over the expedition, Cortés founded La Villa Rica de la Veracruz and set up a self-governing town. He burned his ships to prevent retreat and solidify his men’s commitment to the conquest. This was the place where Cortés officially renounced the authority of Cuba’s governor, Diego Velázquez, making the expedition independent.

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Cholula - Puebla, Barrio de Jesús Tlatempa, Cholula, Puebla

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Cholula - Puebla, Barrio de Jesús Tlatempa, Cholula, Puebla

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Cholula - Puebla, Barrio de Jesús Tlatempa, Cholula, Puebla

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A major religious and trade center under Aztec influence. Cortés suspected the Cholulans were plotting an ambush, so he ordered a brutal massacre, killing thousands. This event spread fear among other cities, making it easier for Cortés to advance toward Tenochtitlán.

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The grand Aztec capital was built on an island in Lake Texcoco (modern-day Mexico City). Cortés and his forces entered peacefully in November 1519, and Moctezuma welcomed him as a guest. The Spanish later took Moctezuma hostage and ruled indirectly, but tensions escalated into war.

After fleeing back to Tenochtitlán:

From May to August 1521, Cortés led a siege of Tenochtitlán with Spanish and indigenous allies. The city fell on August 13, 1521, marking the collapse of the Aztec Empire. The Spanish destroyed the city and later built Mexico City on its ruins.