Hernando de Soto was born c. 1500 to a noble, but poor family in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. He went to the University of Salamanca, where he was funded by Pedro Arias Dávila. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but he told his father that he was going to explore the West Indies. In 1514, young de Soto joined the expedition to explore the West Indies. He was an excellent horseman, so he was appointed captain of the cavalry expedition troops. He left Panama for Nicaragua, and later Honduras. He quickly proved that he was a good explorer by getting riches from pillaging local tribes.
In 1532, de Soto was second in command to Francisco Pizarro’s voyage to conquer Peru. While exploring, he found a route leading to Cuzco, the capital of
In 1532, de Soto was second in command to Francisco Pizarro’s voyage to conquer Peru. While exploring, he found a route leading to Cuzco, the capital of