At the time of the Aztec Conquest Pedro de Alvarado was a young Captain appointed by Cortes. He went on to conquer much of Central America and became one of the most well known Conquistadors. Before his participation in the Mexican campaign he had been on the Grijalva expedition to Mexico and helped destroy the native population of Cuba.
Actions with the Cortes Expedition:
- Joined expedition in Trinidad with his brothers.
- In Cuba, led the men overland to Havana.
- Chosen as Commander of Expeditions in Vera Cruz.
- Returned from Grijalba expedition with word of gold, riches.
- Was put in charge of force at Cempoala after Cortés left to deal with Spanish arrivals.
- Given daughter of Xicotencatl in Tlaxcala, Dona Luisa.
- Was sent to Tenochtitlan, but was turned back either due to illness or Moctezuma’s orders. Was described by Mexica to Moctezuma as handsome and given the name Tonatio, or son of the sun.
- Horse – Sorrel Mare, well trained.
- Was selected to go visit Moctezuma on Day 2 in Tenichtitlan (Diaz p 221)
- Went to seize Moctezuma in his quarters (Diaz 245)
- Given daughter of Xicotencatl in Tlaxcala, Dona Luisa.
- Was sent to Tenochtitlan, but was turned back either due to illness or Moctezuma’s orders. Was described by Mexica to Moctezuma as handsome and given the name Tonatio, or son of the sun.
- Horse – Sorrel Mare, well trained.
- Was selected to go visit Moctezuma on Day 2 in Tenichtitlan (Diaz p 221)
- Went to seize Moctezuma in his quarters (Diaz 245)
Alvarado brothers also on the Cortes Expedition:
- Jorge de Alvarado
- Gonzalo de Alvarado
- Gomez de Alvarado
- Juan de Alvarado