* Gold was the main currency of the Aztecs. The Aztecs used gold to buy and sell goods, and it was also used to make jewelry and other ornaments. Cortes knew that by getting his hands on Aztec gold, he could easily buy anything he wanted.
* Gold was a symbol of power and prestige. In Aztec culture, gold was associated with the sun and the gods. By possessing gold, Cortes could demonstrate his power and authority over the Aztecs.
* Cortes was motivated by personal greed. He wanted to become rich, and he saw Aztec gold as a way to achieve his goal.
Whatever his reasons, Cortes' desire for gold ultimately led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire. His actions set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to the Spanish conquest of Mexico.