The Conquistador

The Real Conquistadors: Myths and Realities

Original Content Contributed by Cabrillo National Monument Historian Robert Munson

Clothing often serves as a symbol of status, expressions of wealth or artistic taste, and practical garments that advertise skills or professions. Armor embodies all these aspects.

The Image of the Conquistadors

When we think of "Conquistadors," an image often comes to mind: a figure in a shining breastplate, an oddly shaped helmet with plumes, puffed and padded sleeves and trousers in gaudy colors, no-nonsense gauntlets, and tall leather boots. A slender rapier at his side and a halberd in hand complete the picture. This dashing image, however, is largely inaccurate.

The Reality of Conquistadors

The term "Conquistador" itself was coined a century after these explorers had passed. The real Conquistadors were indeed professional soldiers—tough, practical, and experienced. They had just concluded a lengthy civil war that had impoverished Spain, leaving it with a standing army as its primary national product.

The Practical Soldier

Unlike a nationally subsidized army, these soldiers had no uniforms, and no two Spanish soldiers looked the same. They were disciplined yet individualistic, providing their own equipment, which was typically a mix of whatever they could find and afford. Basic clothing included a long-sleeved shirt (camisa), a doublet, and various coverings for the lower body, though not the balloon-like "pumpkin" pants of the Elizabethan age. Horsemen needed boots and leather gloves, but many soldiers in Nueva España opted for simple shoes or yucca fiber sandals.

Armor and Equipment

Armor was a significant investment, akin to purchasing a luxury car today. Before the discovery of iron deposits at Durango, all armor had to be shipped from Spain, making it unaffordable for most. Instead, soldiers wore quilted cotton jackets, known as gambesons or esquipils, and leather jackets (cueras). These provided adequate protection against native weapons, except for the southeastern Indians’ long bow. However, metal armor for the torso, such as sleeveless chainmail vests (jacqueta de mala) or long sleeveless shirts (cota de mala), was preferred if available. Helmets were considered crucial, and simple ones were mass-produced in Cuba for Cortez’s men.

Spanish soldiers generally disliked the weight of full armor on their limbs and preferred to rely on their speed and skill for protection. Consequently, chainmail torso armor and metal helmets were common, while full plate armor was reserved for the wealthy and high-ranking. The armor used in the New World was often outdated but still effective and affordable for adventurers.

Exhibit Insights

An exhibit at Cabrillo National Monument features a mannequin of a young crossbowman, showing him with both chainmail and a brigandine, a cloth coat with metal plates sewn between layers of fabric. This armor likely reflects Cabrillo’s status as a companion to a wealthy family member. Another mannequin depicts Cabrillo in three-quarter plate armor, indicating his rise to wealth and power by the 1530s.

Comparing Expeditions

Though the equipment lists for Cabrillo’s expedition have been misplaced, the list for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s contemporary expedition provides insight. Coronado’s men had a mix of metal and quilted cotton armor, with only a few wealthy individuals possessing complete plate armor. Similarly, sailors were required to have basic defensive gear, often opting for the cheapest available due to their dislike of spending on unwanted items.

In summary, while high-ranking individuals had impressive armor to dazzle native rulers, most soldiers and sailors wore practical, utilitarian gear. The diversity and adaptability of their equipment reflected their resourcefulness and the realities of their challenging environment.

Coronado Muster List, 1540

Cavalry Equipment (225 horsemen)

Armor:

• 5 full plate harnesses (including helmets), four belonging to Coronado
• 4 full sets of plate horse armor, all Coronado’s
• 7 corselets or ¾ plate
• 8 cuirasses
• 55 Cota de Mala (chainmail shirts)
• 2 Jacqueta de Mala (chainmail vests)
• 3 sets of chainmail for the legs
• 207 Gambeson/Esquipil jackets
• 65 leather jackets
• 20 morrion helmets
• 7 borgonata helmets
• 23 buffe (face and neck protection)
• 2 gorgets (collars)
• 2 metal gauntlets
• 19 “armor for the head”
• 4 quilted cotton head armors

Weapons:

• Lances and swords for every man
• 4 “arms of Castile”
• 3 crossbows
• 3 matchlock muskets
• 1 two-handed sword
• 1 dagger
• 2 lances (heavier impact type)

Infantry Equipment (62 men, 5 with horses)

Armor:

• 1 corselet/¾ plate
• 6 leather jackets
• 43 Gambeson/Esquipil jackets
• 1 set of chainmail sleeves
• 21 metal knee plates (no man had two, usually worn on leading leg)
• 2 borgonata helmets

Weapons:

• 49 swords
• 1 two-handed sword
• 12 daggers
• 21 matchlock muskets
• 16 crossbows