The Conquistadors
Hernando Cortes - In 1519 in an act of open mutiny against the Governor of Cuba, Cortes led approximately 500 Spaniards and slaves, and 11 ships on an expedition into the Yucatan. His goal was to reach Tenochtitlan, the place we know today as Mexico City. Cortes laid the foundations of the Americas in blood and conquest. He kickstarted a rebellion and brought The Aztec Empire to ruin. He was named Marquis de Oaxaca, and died of pleuritis in 1547. Pleuritis is an inflammation of the membrane around the heart and lungs. Ironic since Cortes told Montezuma's messengers he and his men had a "sickness of the heart only gold can cure."
Pedro "Tonatiuh" de Alvarado - Cortes' right hand man, Alvarado was gallant, flamboyant, even cavalier. He was also quick to anger and a righteous menace in a rage. Alvarado ordered a massacre of Tenochtitlan's nobles when they refused to give up their religious practices. Alvarado was a terrible leader and showed no interest in anything but conquest. The Nahua gave him the nickname "Tonatiuh" because of his blonde hair and fiery personality. Alvarado was trampled by a horse in 1541 and lay in agony for several days before dying.
Bernal Diaz de Castillo - Bernal Diaz participated in three successive expeditions into South America, including Cortes' 1519 expedition. Well over 60 years after he participated he recounted and recorded his experiences in 'A True History of The Conquest of New Spain'. This was written in response to figures like Bartholomew de Casas and Bernado de Saghan who accused the conquistadors of grievous abuses. Diaz attempts to refute much of the scale of the abuses and claimed the conquest was a "just war". Diaz also showed regret and sorrow for the destruction he had a hand in. It's tempting to forgive Diaz but it is from him that the most accurate but damning attitude of the conquest is expressed: "We went to get rich and serve God, as all men are want to do."