A Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of its land under the rule of the king of Castile.
Hernando Cortés
Fact of the Day
In 1621, a peer spent £3,000 on one day's meals.
Quote of the Day
"I have offended God and mankind in not having laboured at my art as I ought to have done
"
~ Leonardo da Vinci, speaking during his final illness to Francis I
On This Day
1586 American colonists arrived in Plymouth with large quantities of tobacco. Smoking caught on quickly, though it was also used in tea.
1694 The Bank of England was founded by an act of parliament as a way to finance government debt by private subscription.
1943 The concentrated Allied bombing of Hamburg led to a three hour firestorm that killed approx 30,000 civilians.