Hernán Cortés

Hello there! My name is Hernán Cortés. I was born a very long time ago, in the year 1485. My home was a sunny, warm place called Spain. Even when I was a little boy, my heart was full of adventure. I loved to look at drawings of the world, called maps. I would trace the big blue ocean with my finger and dream. I dreamed of sailing on a giant ship with big white sails. I wanted to feel the salty spray of the sea and discover new places far, far away from my home.

When I grew up, my big dream came true! I got to be the captain of not just one, but many big ships. In the year 1519, my friends and I got on our ships. We waved goodbye to Cuba and sailed to the coast of Mexico. Whoosh! The wind filled our sails and pushed us along. For many days and many nights, we sailed. We saw dolphins jumping and watched the bright stars twinkle above us. It was a long journey, but every day was a new adventure. Then, one sunny morning, someone shouted, 'Land ahoy!'.

We had reached a land where many people already lived. It was so green and full of wonderful things I had never seen before. Many different peoples lived there. Later, we went inland to the city of the Aztec people. Their leader was a kind king named Moctezuma II. He welcomed us and showed us his home. His city was called Tenochtitlan, and it was like a dream. It was built right on a shiny blue lake, like a magical floating island! Big bridges connected it to the land. The buildings were tall and painted in beautiful colors. The markets were busy and filled with yummy foods and colorful treasures. I had never, ever seen a place so special.

Meeting King Moctezuma II and the Aztec people was so exciting. I told them all about my home in Spain, with its sunny fields and castles. They told me all about their amazing city on the lake. We shared stories and tried new foods. My adventure taught me something very important. When you are brave and curious, you can explore the whole wide world. You can meet new friends and see wonderful things. Always remember to be kind and share your world with others, and you will have amazing adventures too.