Conquistadors ( /kɒn.ˈkiːstədɔr/; Spanish: [koŋkistaˈðor]; "conqueror") were soldiers, explorers, and adventurers at the service of the Spanish or Portuguese Empires. They sailed beyond Europe, conquering territory and opening trade routes. They colonized much of the world for Portugal and Spain in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
Conquistadors ( /kɒn.ˈkiːstədɔr/; Spanish: [koŋkistaˈðor]; "conqueror") were soldiers, explorers, and adventurers at the service of the Spanish or Portuguese Empires. They sailed beyond Europe, conquering territory and opening trade routes. They colonized much of the world for Portugal and Spain in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.