Hernán Cortés

Cortés's greatest accolade was the title of Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca, granted by Charles V in 1529. This hereditary title recognized his achievements in the conquest of Mexico. He also received the governorship of New Spain, though his authority was later curtailed. His legacy, however, is not measured in official honors but in his impact on world history. His conquest of the Aztec Empire is one of the most consequential events in the history of the Americas, and his actions continue to be studied and debated.