
Bernal Díaz del Castillo
January 1, 1492 – January 1, 1584
Bernal Díaz del Castillo was a Spanish conquistador and chronicler whose work offers a unique eyewitness account of the conquest of the Aztec Empire. He vividly captures the harsh realities of military campaigns, the motivations of the soldiers, and the colonial clash with indigenous cultures. His narrative style is direct and matter-of-fact, often emphasizing the personal experiences of a common soldier. His writings are an essential resource for understanding a pivotal moment in the history of the Americas.