NOTORIOUS killer or military genius? Local people can make up their own minds with ‘In the Steps of Cortez – The Conquest of Mexico’ the latest talk to be presented by Redditch Military History Society on Wednesday, April 18 at 7.30pm.
Hernan Cortez was born the son of minor nobility in 1485 and in 1504, aged 19, he followed in the steps of his hero Christopher Columbus by becoming firstly a farmer on the island of Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and then a soldier in the conquest of Cuba.
In 1519 he became commander of 11 ships and 500 men and set off to Invade Mexico, landing at Yucatan.
The local Mayan people initially resisted him and then allied with the Spaniards against their enemies – the Aztecs.
Together, and after three years of fighting the Aztec King Moctezuma, Cortes claimed all of Mexico for King Charles I of Spain.
The talk, by Ray Aspden, will be in St Luke’s Hall, Evesham Road, Headless Cross at 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend.
For more information on Redditch Military History Society contact Ron Gallivan on 01527-545450 or or e-mail [email protected]
