When an army consumed those supplies, it could weaken a community even without destroying its buildings.

This helps explain why de Soto’s expedition could have effects far beyond the days it physically spent in a particular village.

The soldiers were constantly drawing on local resources.

A short stay could represent a large burden.

A longer stay could be devastating.

SIX DAYS THAT MATTERED

Blanton’s research aims to reconstruct the story of de Soto’s stay at Capachequi in unusually fine detail.

Historical accounts indicate that the expedition spent several days there.