The term "conquistadors" refers to Spanish and Portuguese explorers and soldiers who led expeditions to the Americas during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. Notable figures include Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire, and Francisco Pizarro, who defeated the Inca Empire. They sought wealth, land, and the spread of Christianity, often using brutal tactics against indigenous populations. Their conquests significantly impacted the history, culture, and Demographics of the regions they explored.