Spanish conquistadors

Definition

Spanish conquistadors were explorers and conquerors from Spain who sought to expand their empire during the Age of Exploration. They played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas by subjugating indigenous civilizations and establishing European dominance.

Related terms

Hernán Cortés: Hernán Cortés was a famous Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. His conquest marked a turning point in Mesoamerican history.

Francisco Pizarro: Francisco Pizarro was another prominent Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire in present-day Peru. He captured their ruler Atahualpa and claimed vast territories for Spain.

Encomienda System: The encomienda system was a labor system implemented by Spanish colonizers where indigenous people were forced to work under harsh conditions on plantations or mines. It exploited native populations for economic gain.