Fray Marcos de Niza | |
|---|---|
| Title | Provincial of the province of the Holy Gospel |
| Personal | |
| Born | c. 1495 |
| Died | 25 March 1558 (aged 62–63) |
| Known for | First European in what is now Arizona |
| Organization | |
| Order | Franciscan |
| Senior posting | |
| Predecessor | Antonio de Ciudad Rodrigo |
| Successor | Francisco de Soto |
Marcos de Niza, OFM (or Marco da Nizza; c. 1495 – 25 March 1558) was a Franciscan friar and missionary from the city of Nice in the Duchy of Savoy. Marcos led the first Spanish expedition to explore what is now the American Southwest. His report of finding a "beautiful city", "more extensive than that of Mexico [City]",[1] induced Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza to organize a large-scale entrada under the leadership of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. Marcos served as a guide for this expedition but when they failed to find the wealth they expected, Coronado blamed Marcos, called him a liar and sent the friar back to Mexico in disgrace.
Marcos remains a controversial historical figure and historians have argued without resolution over the veracity of his report and the itinerary of his expedition.