Who Searched for Cibola?

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado

began his journey north from Mexico seeking the Seven Cities of Cibola described by Fray Marcos. He took with him a force of 330 Spaniards (most of whom were mounted soldiers) and 1,000 native allies. The expedition starts with 552 horses and 2 mares.

Who searched for the Seven Cities of Cibola?

In 1539, Friar Marcos de Niza, a Franciscan priest, reported to Spanish colonial officials in Mexico City that he'd seen the legendary city of Cibola in what is now New Mexico.

Who went in search of Cibola?

Marcos de Niza was the first explorer to report the Seven Cities of Cibola, and his report launched the Coronado expedition. Marcos de Niza was a priest who was sent north from Mexico City by Viceroy Mendoza in 1538-39 to search for wealthy cities that were rumored to be somewhere north of the frontier of New Spain.