Why did Queen Isabella hire juan ponce de leon?

Queen Isabella of Spain hired Juan Ponce de León primarily to explore and claim new territories in the New World. She was interested in expanding Spain's influence and wealth through the discovery of new lands, resources, and potential trade routes. Ponce de León is best known for his expedition to Florida, where he sought to find the legendary Fountain of Youth, as well as to establish Spanish presence in the region. His explorations aligned with Isabella's goals of exploration and colonization during the Age of Discovery.