The Mythical Treasure of the Seven Cities of Cibola

The legend of the Seven Cities of Cibola is one of the most compelling tales in the realm of treasure hunting and exploration in the Americas. Rooted deeply in the intersection of myth, history, and greed, this narrative spans centuries, intricately woven into the fabric of Spanish colonization and indigenous cultures.

Historical Background

The legend of the Seven Cities of Cibola can be traced back to the early interactions between Spanish explorers and the Native American populations in the 16th century. After Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World in 1492, Spain became increasingly eager to explore and exploit the continent’s resources. In this context, tales began to emerge about vast riches and advanced civilizations lying to the north of Mexico.

Among these early accounts, the name “Cibola” surfaced. This term is believed to be derived from the Zuni term for their own settlements—possibly referring to the shiny, yellowish material that their adobe structures reflected in the sun. Spanish conquistadors misinterpreted these stories as indications of cities rich with gold and silver.

In particular, around the early 1540s, tales spread amongst Indigenous groups of wealthy cities to the north known as “Cibola,” said to contain vast quantities of gold and other treasures. Notably, the “City of Gold” was often linked to the trappings of Native American culture, beauty, and the intricate practices that revolved around trade and community.

Key Historical Figures

Fray Marcos de Niza (1495–1558): A Franciscan friar who is credited with being one of the first Europeans to search for the Seven Cities. In 1539, he undertook a large exploratory mission to scout for Cibola.
Estebanico (c. 1500–1539): An African slave who accompanied de Niza as a scout. He became one of the first people to report sighting the legendary cities, although under contentious circumstances.
Vasquez de Coronado (1510–1554): The Spanish nobleman who led a major expedition in 1540 based on de Niza’s reports, resulting in the most famous chase for the cities.
Antonio de Mendoza (1495–1552): The first viceroy of New Spain, who sponsored Coronado’s expedition, intrigued by tales of the riches in Cibola.

The Legend’s Origins

The earliest written record of the Seven Cities of Cibola can be traced to a 1520 account of the conquests of Mexico, particularly the rumors that became widespread among Spain’s colonizers. Accounts of the riches around the cities of Cibola were often exaggerated or embellished to attract further expeditions towards North America.

In 1540, Fray Marcos de Niza, under the orders of Viceroy Mendoza, set out from Mexico City in hopes of discovering Cibola. His journey, however, mainly served to fan the flames of exploration fueled by greed, rather than directly locate the treasure. It was Estebanico who allegedly reached the Zuni territories, relaying tales of gold and wealth that sparked widespread interest.

Exploration and Expeditions

The First Expedition: Fray Marcos de Niza

Fray Marcos de Niza’s expedition in 1539 targeted the rumored cities north of Mexico. De Niza and Estebanico set out from Mexico City, traveling through what is now modern-day Arizona and up into New Mexico.

While on their expedition, they encountered several Indigenous tribes including the Pueblos. It was during this venture that Estebanico was reportedly killed by the Zuni, which only added to the intrigue and speculation surrounding the cities.

De Niza returned to Mexico, claiming to have seen one of the cities, which he described with grand detail. His accounts, however, were met with skepticism, as many began to doubt the validity of his findings.

The Coronado Expedition

Encouraged by de Niza’s claims, the esteemed explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado mounted an expedition in Coronado set off with an entourage that included a mix of Spanish soldiers, indigenous allies, and missionaries. His grand goal was to find the cities believed to be overflowing with treasures.

His journey took him through modern-day Arizona and New Mexico, and ultimately resulted in his discovery of various Native American pueblos, including the legendary Zuni. However, instead of gold-laden cities, Coronado and his men found arid landscapes and resource-poor settlements.

Key Routes of the Expeditions

Starting Point: Mexico City (initial base of operations)
Significant Stops: Guadalajara, Eco Canyon, and the Grand Canyon region.
Final Destination: The Zuni Pueblo region, culminating in their encounters in New Mexico.

The Impact of Exploration

The expeditions for the Seven Cities of Cibola yielded substantial consequences for both the Spanish and Indigenous populations. Despite not finding the wealth they sought, Coronado and his men introduced European diseases to the Americas, leading to tragic population declines among Indigenous peoples.

Moreover, the legendary nature of Cibola spurred further exploration into the North American interior, laying the groundwork for future missions and colonization efforts. In many respects, the failed searches for Cibola opened up new narratives regarding conquest, cultural contact, and the relentless pursuit of gold.

The Legacy of Cibola

Historical Significations

The Seven Cities of Cibola serve as a potent symbol of the intersection between myth and colonization in the Americas. The allure of Cibola inspired not only Spanish expeditions but also permeated literature and popular culture, inspiring tales of lost treasures that have captivated imaginations for centuries.

Moreover, Cibola’s narrative also highlights the European mindset during the age of exploration—characterized by ambition, conquest, and the pursuit of wealth at any cost. Such attitudes profoundly affected interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes, leading to cultural misunderstandings and conflicts.

Modern Interpretations

Today, the myth of the Seven Cities of Cibola continues to resonate, leading to modern treasure hunts and explorations. Various researchers, adventurers, and archaeologists still seek the fabled riches attributed to the cities. This interest often rekindles discussions surrounding the impact of European colonization, environmental conservation, and Indigenous rights.

Archaeological studies within current Indigenous lands, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, have revealed more about pre-Columbian societies and their complex relationships with the environment. The continued fascination with Cibola serves as both an allure for treasure seekers and a reminder of a historical quest marked by misunderstood encounters.

Conclusion

The Seven Cities of Cibola remain a captivating enigma within American history, embodying the struggles for wealth, the consequences of colonization, and the enduring power of myth in shaping cultural narratives. They have inspired generations to pursue legendary treasures while serving as a cautionary tale about the impacts of exploration on Indigenous peoples and cultures.

While the golden cities may never be unveiled, the lessons learned from the quests for Cibola enrich our understanding of history, cultural interactions, and the complexities of human ambition.