* Indigenous Peoples: The land was not empty. Many different Native American groups, each with their own languages, customs, and ways of life, populated the regions. They had complex societies, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs that had existed for centuries.
* Diverse Environments: From the deserts of the Southwest to the lush forests of the East Coast, the Spanish encountered a variety of environments, each with its own unique flora and fauna.
* Resources: The Spanish were immediately drawn to the potential for resources like gold, silver, and land. They also encountered different forms of agriculture, including maize (corn), beans, and squash.
* Existing Trade Networks: The Spanish discovered existing trade networks among Indigenous groups, where goods, ideas, and knowledge were exchanged.
It's important to remember that the Spanish arrival marked the beginning of a period of significant change for both Europeans and Indigenous peoples, with lasting consequences for the history of North America.