SPANISH EMPIRE FLAGS

The Spanish Empire (Imperio Español) was one of the largest empires in history and one of the first global empires. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spain was in the vanguard of European global exploration and colonial expansion. Conquistadors toppled the Aztec and Inca empires, and laid claim to vast stretches of land in North and South America.

For a time, the Spanish Empire was the foremost global power, dominating the oceans with its experienced navy and ruling the European battlefield with its infantry. Spain enjoyed a cultural golden age in the 16th and 17th centuries.