Why did Hernando de soto wanted to explore Georgia?

Hernando de Soto sought to explore Georgia primarily in search of wealth, particularly gold and silver, as part of his broader expedition through the southeastern United States. Motivated by the Spanish crown's desire for expansion and riches, he hoped to discover new territories and resources. De Soto was also interested in establishing Spanish claims in the region and encountering indigenous populations to assert Spanish dominance. His exploration aimed to enhance Spain's influence and capitalize on the perceived riches of the New World.