What do C. Columbus and H. de soto have in common?

Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés both played significant roles in the European exploration and colonization of the Americas. They were motivated by the pursuit of wealth and territorial expansion for their respective countries—Spain in both cases. Additionally, both figures are known for their encounters with indigenous populations, which often led to significant cultural exchanges as well as conflict and devastation for these communities. Their expeditions marked pivotal moments in history that shaped the course of the New World.