Final answer:
A conquistador was a Spanish explorer who embarked on expeditions in the Americas during the Age of Exploration. They sought wealth and glory on behalf of the Spanish monarchs and were often rewarded through the encomienda system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A conquistador was a Spanish explorer during the Age of Exploration in the Americas. They were individuals who embarked on expeditions in search of wealth and glory on behalf of the Spanish monarchs. Many conquistadors were nobles or had military training, while others were landless and wanted to improve their social standing.
One way the Spanish government rewarded conquistadors was through the encomienda system, which granted them the labor of specified numbers of Indigenous people. This system allowed for the abuse of Indigenous peoples by the Spanish settlers who aimed to benefit from their labor.
Notable conquistadors include Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico, and Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire in South America.
Learn more about conquistadors