Why was the purpose of Hernando desoto's journey through Georgia?

Hernando de Soto's journey through Georgia in the 1540s was part of his broader expedition to explore and conquer the southeastern region of North America. He sought gold, wealth, and new territories for Spain, driven by the desire to expand Spanish influence and find riches similar to those found in Central and South America. De Soto's expedition aimed to establish trade routes and assert Spanish claims over indigenous lands, but it ultimately met with resistance from Native American tribes. The journey significantly impacted the native populations and the European understanding of the region.