Narváez, Pánfilo de
Narváez, Pánfilo de ( c. 1478 – 1528 )Spanish conquistador. He gained a reputation as a ruthless soldier in the conquest of Cuba in 1511 ; later, as governor, he watched his men slaughter some 2500 unarmed Cubans. When he was sent to fetch the rebellious Cortés in Mexico in 1520 , most of his men deserted, and he lost an eye in the ensuing battle. Leading an expedition to Florida in 1528 , he ignored advice from his lieutenant, Cabeza de Vaca , divided his forces, and was lost at sea trying to return to Cuba in makeshift boats.
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