Fray Marcos de Niza was a Spanish Franciscan friar and explorer born around 1495. He is best known for his expeditions in the southwestern United States during the 16th century. In 1539, he was sent by the Spanish crown to explore the territories north of Mexico, particularly in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. During his journey, Fray Marcos became one of the first Europeans to document the lands and peoples of what is now Arizona and New Mexico. His reports, although often exaggerated, sparked further exploration in the region, influencing future expeditions, including those led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado.