- any of the leaders in the Spanish conquest of America, especially of Mexico and Peru, in the 16th century.

The Spanish conquest of America in the 16th century was marked by several prominent leaders who played key roles in the colonization of regions such as Mexico and Peru. Here are some notable figures:

1. Hernán Cortés (1485–1547): Cortés is best known for leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire in Mexico. He arrived in Mexico in 1519 and, through a combination of military strategy, alliances with local tribes, and the exploitation of divisions among the indigenous peoples, he captured the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521.

2. Francisco Pizarro (1471–1541): Pizarro led the conquest of the Incan Empire in present-day Peru. He arrived in South America in the 1520s and captured the Inca ruler Atahualpa in 1532, leading to the eventual downfall of the Incan civilization. Pizarro founded the city of Lima in 1535.

3. Diego de Almagro (c. 1475–1538): A companion of Pizarro, Almagro participated in the conquest of the Inca Empire and later led his own expedition to Chile. His rivalry with Pizarro ultimately led to conflict and his execution in 1538.

4. Hernando de Soto (c. 1496–1542): Though not as renowned as Cortés and Pizarro, de Soto played a significant role in the exploration of the southeastern United States and was part of the early conquests in Central America before leading his expedition in North America.

5. Juan de Pizarro (c. 1510–1546): The brother of Francisco Pizarro, Juan was also involved in the conquest of Peru and served as the governor of several cities. His involvement helped solidify Spanish control over the region.

These leaders, among others, were instrumental in the establishment of Spanish rule over large portions of the Americas, profoundly impacting indigenous civilizations and the course of history in those regions.