Adventurous explorer or ruthless imperialist? In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernn Cortés led a daring expedition to the heart of the Aztec Empire, in what is now central and southern Mexico. Within two years, this highly advanced civilization had fallen to the might of Cortés's Spanish conquerors, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Aztecs. This engaging title explores two cultures in conflict--and the personality of a man driven by both insatiable greed and service to his country.