Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who traveled extensively throughout the Americas in the 16th century. He was the first European to leave a detailed account of life among indigenous peoples along the Texas Gulf Coast. Cabeza de Vaca was captured by Native Americans and spent several years among them, learning their language and customs. He later escaped and returned to Spain, where he wrote about his experiences.