Do you think that Cortes was admirable or a villain? Explain.

Cortes was the conquistador who conquered Mexico and destroyed the Aztec statehood. Few sources have been preserved about the life of the conqueror, and they often contradict each other; therefore, historians differ greatly in assessments of his personality and heritage. However, one should consider his personality in a historical context. Today he would be called a war criminal and subjected to an international tribunal. However, in his days, when human life was little appreciated and violent methods of achieving goals were encouraged, he could very well be considered a hero.