CONQUISTADORS Meaning and
Definition
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Conquistadors is a term referring to the Spanish and Portuguese explorers and soldiers who participated in the initial stages of European colonial expeditions and conquests, primarily in the 15th and 16th centuries. These individuals played a significant role in the expansion of the Spanish and Portuguese empires across the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
The term "conquistador" derives from the Spanish word "conquistar," meaning "to conquer." As experienced warriors, conquerors, and explorers, the conquistadors aimed to extend their empires, wealth, and influence by establishing colonies, subjugating indigenous populations, seizing land, and looting valuable resources.
Characterized by their military prowess, the conquistadors were equipped with advanced weaponry, including guns and armor, which provided them with a substantial advantage over the indigenous peoples they encountered. This technological advantage, coupled with their desire for wealth and adventure, enabled them to conquer vast territories and establish new political and economic systems under Spanish and Portuguese rule.
The most famous conquistador was Hernán Cortés, who led the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. Other well-known conquistadors include Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire in South America, and Ferdinand Magellan, who initiated the first circumnavigation of the globe.
While the impact of the conquistadors was profound, it resulted in the extensive destruction and subjugation of native cultures, extensive loss of life, and the establishment of a colonial system that perpetuated inequality and exploitation. The legacy of the conquistadors continues to shape the history and culture of the regions they conquered.
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Etymology of CONQUISTADORS
The word "conquistadors" is derived from Spanish. It comes from the combination of two words: "conquistar" and "dor".
"Conquistar" is the Spanish verb meaning "to conquer", coming from the Latin word "conquistare", which combines "con-" (meaning "together" or "with") and "quaerere" (meaning "to seek" or "to obtain").
The suffix "-dor" in Spanish is used to denote someone who performs an action or carries out a specific task. It is derived from Latin's "-tor" or "-toris" suffix, with the same meaning.
Therefore, a "conquistador" is someone who engages in conquering or seeks to obtain victory and conquest.
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