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In 1517, an expedition led by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba set sail from Cuba in search of slaves and new lands. The Spaniards landed on Isla Mujeres and claimed it for Spain. Then they set their course westwards for Cabo Catoche where they were attacked by the Indians. Back on board, the Spaniards continued their voyage. On returning to Cuba, they reported to Governor Diego Velázquez that the land was rich and that there was gold. A year later, Juan de Grijalva reconnoitered the coast and made landfall on Cozumel. They sailed on and espied from afar Mayan cities such as Tulum and Xel-Há.
In 1519, Hernán Cortés headed a third expedition. At Cozumel he picked up Jerónimo de Aguilar before setting sail for the west, the start of a journey that would culminate in the conquest of Tenochtitlan, glorious capital of the Aztecs (now Mexico City).
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.