The first book in Russian dedicated to the Spanish conquest of America. The book raises the most significant and little-studied issues. Why was it possible to explore and conquer colossal territories of two continents in such a short time and with such small forces? What were the legal and ethical justifications for the Conquest? How were the expeditions organized? To what extent were European weapons superior to Indian ones? In a wide range of these and other problems, the main one is revealed - the spiritual image of the Spanish conquistador. The book is richly illustrated and intended for the widest range of readers.