Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador best known for his role in the defeat of the Aztec Empire and the conquest of Mexico in the early 16th century. His expedition, which began in 1519, led to significant changes in the region, including the establishment of Spanish colonial rule, and had a profound impact on the indigenous populations and cultures.
Cortes is particularly recognized for his strategic alliances with various indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs, as well as his military tactics and the use of technologies such as firearms and horses. Ultimately, he captured the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521, marking the fall of one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas at that time. This conquest had lasting effects on both the indigenous populations and the course of history in the Americas, making Cortes a central figure in discussions of European exploration and colonization.
In contrast, the other options focus on unrelated subjects: an artist from the Renaissance period, a monarch of Spain, and a general category of explorers. While they may relate to the broader context of the Age of Exploration, they do not accurately capture Cortes's specific identity and significant historical impact.