* Spaniards Heard Stories of Cibola: After hearing indigenous stories about the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola, Coronado led an expedition to search for the fabled cities.
* Economic Drive for Wealth: The Spanish, driven by their desire for riches, believed these cities held abundant wealth and resources, such as gold, silver, and precious gemstones.
* Religious Motives: Coronado, motivated by religious zeal, sought to spread Catholicism and acquire new territories for the Spanish crown, expanding the empire and converting the native population.
* Political Ambitions: The expedition also aimed to strengthen Spanish control over the region, thwart French incursions, and explore the uncharted territories of the New World.
Discovery of Cibola
Coronado's journey took his men through Arizona and New Mexico, eventually leading them to the Zuñi Pueblo, a Native American settlement often associated with the legend of the Seven Cities of Cibola. While initially believed to be one of the famed cities, the Zuñi Pueblo did not live up to the grand expectations the Spanish had envisioned.
Disillusionment and the End of the Expedition
Upon realizing that the "Seven Cities of Cibola" were actually native villages without the treasure they sought, Coronado's expedition faced tremendous hardship, including conflicts with the local tribes, harsh weather, and shortages of supplies. After almost two years of exploration, Coronado concluded that the mythical cities were just tales, leading to the expedition's termination in 1542.
Legacy of Coronado's Expedition
Although the quest for the Seven Cities of Cibola did not yield the expected results, Coronado's expedition contributed significantly to the exploration of the American Southwest, paving the way for future expeditions and a better understanding of the diverse indigenous cultures in the region.