Spain Conquered the Aztecs (Mexico) and Incas (Peru)—Not the Mayans

The Spanish did not conquer the Maya in Mexico; the Classic Maya civilization had already declined centuries earlier. Instead, Hernán Cortés toppled the Aztec Empire (1519‑1521) and Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca Empire (1532‑1533). Wealth (gold, silver) was a major motive, alongside religious zeal and imperial ambition.