Hernan Cortes trivia

Hernan Cortes Mini Quiz

Test your knowledge with these top questions!

Question 1

Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes scuttled his own ships upon reaching Mexico to do what?

By destroying his fleet in 1519, Cortes sent a clear message that his men had to conquer the Aztec Empire or die trying, making a retreat to Cuba impossible.

Question 2

Indigenous woman La Malinche aided Hernan Cortes during his conquest by serving what role?

Fluent in both Nahuatl and Mayan, she enabled Cortes to communicate with local tribes and forge vital alliances with indigenous enemies of the Aztec Empire.

Question 3

Hernan Cortes destroyed the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan to establish what Spanish stronghold?

After capturing Tenochtitlan in 1521, the Spanish dismantled its ancient temples and built Mexico City directly on top of the ruined island capital.

Question 4

During the Night of Sorrows, what dragged many of Hernan Cortes's fleeing men underwater?

Fleeing the city during a 1520 uprising, many soldiers stuffed their clothing with so much heavy treasure that they sank and drowned in the lake's canals.