Chapters IV and V Summary and Analysis

After the explorers reached Mexico and its riches, only Juan Ponce de Leon was interested in Florida where the Indians fought fiercely for their freedom. De Leon was killed trying to settle Florida. As the explorers moved around Florida, word spread among the Indians.

Panfilo de Narvaez was given the right to explore Florida and to conquer the people from Florida to northern Mexico. The Indians would be subdued if they refused to become Christians and submit to the Spanish king.

A young nobleman named Juan Ortiz was rescued by an Indian maiden and lived among the Indians.

Hernando de Soto was given the governorship of Cuba and Florida by the Spanish king. He set out with a fleet of thirty ships and took possession of the territory. De Soto had Juan Ortiz brought to...