Cofachiqui (or Cofitachequi) was the name of a populous and wealthy Indian province visited by Hernando De Soto's expedition in April 1540 through what is now South Carolina. He and his army of Catholic conquistadores and cavaliers were in their wanderings in search of gold. They also applied this name to the beautiful and intelligent young queen or princess who ruled the Indians of this and a confederation of neighboring tribes. Despite being greeted with food and gifts, de Soto brazenly pillaged and raided local temples and graves for treasure. Read about the beautiful young princess' encounter with De Soto, her forced abduction and escape in this publication "Cofachiqui - Paramount Princess."