The nearly simultaneous invasions of Honduras in 1524 by rival Spanish expeditions begins an era of conflict among rival Spanish claimants as well as with the indigenous population.

The major initial expeditions are led by González Dávila, who hoped to carve out a territory for his own rule, and by Cristóbal de Olid, who is dispatched from Cuba by Cortés.

Once in Honduras, however, Olid succumbs to personal ambition and attempts to establish his own independent authority.

Word of this reaches Cortés in Mexico, and to restore his own authority, he orders yet another expedition, this one under the command of Francisco de Las Casas.

Then, doubting the trustworthiness of any subordinate, Cortés sets out for Honduras himself.

The situation is further complicated by the entry into Honduras of expeditions from Guatemala under Pedro de Alvarado and from Nicaragua under Hernando de Soto.