Wealth and empire were two factors that nations like Spain were searching for. A conquistador's, like Hernan Cortes and Christopher Columbus, one goal would be to be that explorer able to find an empire and make it as wealthy as possible. Many times European explorers were promised riches as well as religion to attract them to explore. Each conquistador had their own way about going about conquering empires, interacting with natives and fulfilling their religions goals on the way. .
Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who conquered the vast Aztec empire in Central America. Cortes heard of Spanish expeditions that had been repelled by Indians. He believed he would be able to succeed where none had before. In 1519, he landed on the coast of Mexico and began an inland trek toward Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec empire. Messengers brought word about the Spanish to the Aztec emperor. He wondered if the leader of the strangers might be an Aztec god who vowed to return from the east. Moctezuma sent gifts and urged the strangers not to continue to Tenochitlán, but Cortes had no intention of tuning back. Fighting and negotiating by turns, Cortés led his forces inland toward the capital, where they were dazzled by the grandeur of the city. Relations between the Aztecs and Spaniards gre strained and they decided to imprison Moctezuma to gain more contra and riches. Cortes compelled Moctezuma to sign over the land to the Spanish. Many tried to challenge Cortes. He retreated to plan an assault. His Indian allies and himself captured Tenochitlán, where the Spanish later built Mexico City. .
Conquistadors interacted with natives many times along their expeditions. Sometimes these interactions were beneficial. During Cortes' expedition, he came across a young Indian women named Malinche, who was able to serve as a translator and advisor. She knew both the Maya and Aztec languages, and quickly learn Spanish.