Which of the following best describes the term 'conquistador'?

The term 'conquistador' is best described as Spanish explorers and soldiers involved in conquest. Conquistadors were primarily known for their roles in the exploration and subsequent conquest of large territories in the Americas during the Age of Exploration in the 16th century. They sought out riches, new lands, and glory for Spain, often in the name of spreading Christianity and acquiring precious resources like gold and silver. Notable conquistadors, such as Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro, played crucial roles in the downfall of powerful indigenous empires, including the Aztecs and Incas, respectively.

The focus on conquest is key to understanding why this description is most accurate; it encapsulates both the military and exploratory aspects of their activities. While Spanish settlers and nobles held significant roles in establishing colonial societal structures, and missionaries worked to spread the faith, these categories do not specifically encompass the primary motivations and actions of conquistadors. Their legacy is closely linked to military conquest, resource acquisition, and the first contacts with indigenous peoples on a grand scale.