Cortesian documents facts for kids
The Cortesian documents are a collection of old handwritten papers about Hernán Cortés, a famous Spanish explorer and conqueror. These documents were put together by a historian named José Luis Martínez.
The collection is split into three main types of papers:
- Letters and notes that Cortés wrote himself.
- Documents written by others for Cortés or on his behalf.
- Reports about things that Cortés found important or interesting.
These documents cover a long period, from 1518 to 1548, which is even a year after Cortés passed away.
Two important letters from 1526 talk about Cortés's trip to a place called Hibueras (which is now Honduras). These special letters are kept safe by the Center for the Study of Mexican History of the Carlos Slim Foundation.
Cortés's Big Trip to Honduras
The letters from 1526 tell the story of Cortés's journey to Hibueras (Honduras). This trip kept him away from New Spain (which is now Mexico) for a long time, from October 12, 1524, to June 19, 1526.
Cortés made this trip for two main reasons:
- He wanted to protect the borders of New Spain from other countries that might try to take over.
- He also hoped to find a waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This would make it much easier and faster for ships to trade goods.
What Happened While Cortés Was Away?
While Cortés was gone on his long trip in 1525, things in New Spain became quite messy. False rumors spread that he had died. Because of this, some government officials started to abuse their power.
They took Cortés's belongings, bothered his friends and family, and treated the native people unfairly. These problems eventually led to Hernán Cortés being removed from his position of power.
See also
In Spanish: Documentos cortesianos para niños
