The Age of Exploration was hallmarked in 1519, shortly after Europe's discovery of the America's, when Fernando Cortés begins his expedition on the Aztecan Empire. As the Spaniards, motivated by gold, slaves, fame, and Christianization, established relations and war with the Aztecs, the slow progression of conquest, erection of towns, and cultural dominance over the natives brought more Spanish troops and support to modern day Mexico. As trading route over the seas were established by the works of Columbus, Magellan, and Elcano, land support system was established as the trails of Cortés' conquest to the capital.