Founding of San Salvador by Spanish conquistadors

In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors were making rapid advances through Central America. The region known today as El Salvador was inhabited by various indigenous groups such as the Pipil, a Nahua people who fiercely resisted foreign incursions. Pedro de Alvarado, a lieutenant of Hernán Cortés, led an expedition to subdue the region. Upon reaching the area, Alvarado's forces, consisting of both Spanish soldiers and indigenous auxiliaries from Mexico, encountered significant resistance from local tribes. However, the superior weaponry and tactics of the Spaniards eventually overwhelmed the indigenous defenders. Alvarado established a Spanish foothold by founding a new settlement named San Salvador.