Colonial Argentina refers to the period when the region was part of the Spanish Empire, from the early 16th century until the early 19th century. During this time, Spanish explorers, such as Juan Díaz de Solís, arrived and established settlements. The area was rich in resources, leading to the growth of cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba, which became important trade centers. The colonial era was marked by the influence of Spanish culture, religion, and governance. The indigenous peoples, including the Mapuche and Guaraní, faced significant changes to their way of life. Over time, tensions grew, leading to movements for independence that would eventually shape modern Argentina.