The Seven Cities of Cibola is a legendary tale from the early 16th century, believed to be a group of wealthy cities filled with gold and treasures. This myth originated from stories told by Native Americans to Spanish explorers, particularly Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who sought these cities in hopes of finding riches in the New World. Despite extensive expeditions, including Coronado's in 1540, no evidence of these cities was ever found. The legend of Cibola contributed to the European fascination with exploration and the search for wealth in the Americas, influencing future expeditions and the colonization of the region.