When the Kings of Spain sent out their many explorers, from Columbus to Juan Bautista de Anza, they all had specific orders from the King.
1. Bring back anything of value.
2. Document these places of importance. You will have map makers.

With so many mapmakers being employed, one of these Kings finally decreed that the
signs, symbols, coded messages and other indicators would be standardized. So that everyone was "On the same page" so to speak.

The King wanted his "Royal Quinto", or fifth, of whatever these explorers found. He also knew that these hostile environments could cost him greatly. If anything happened to these explorers or his mapmakers. This way, he could send others, at a later date and still be able to recover what he wanted most.

These explorers built large mountain range monuments; these were to be the long distance highway markers, for their day. Similar to the highway signs today. It was necessary that they be seen from 8 to 10 miles away. These monumented trails were necessary for the safe movements of large caravans of people, animals and of course, the King's fifth.

As they approached closer, more indicators would be visible, to show them additional directions as to which trail to take, off the main trail. These indicators would be smaller and not as obvious, to the less informed traveler. As they got closer to their destination, a mission, mine or treasure, these monumented trails, signs, symbols will become smaller and finally end approximately a half league before the place of importance. (Explained later.)

One of the most well known trails of this type is the "Old Spanish Trail". It beginnings start in Mexico and extend north to Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and into Idaho. To the west to California and Nevada and east to Texas. A good reference book about this trail is: "Lost Treasures on the Old Spanish Trail", by George A. Thompson, copyright 1988, ISBN: 0-914740-31-8. Sam Weller's Book Store, 254 South Main, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101. $11.95ea. Phone # 1-801-328-2586.

What is important to remember is that all the monuments, maps, waybills and signs and symbols, no matter who put them there, are actually "Coded Messages" that have important meanings, or multiple meanings. Many times the directions are not as clear as they appear to be. They did not want just anyone to be able to find these sites. We need to understand the deviousness of the people that placed them there. Whether it was the Spanish, Indians, Mexicans, pirates, prospectors or thieves.

The Spanish motivation for their exploration and exploitation of North, Central and South America was their search for the Seven Cities of Cibola. A legend from 750 AD. The legend(s) of the Seven Cities of Cibola are steeped in mystery and confusion today as they were in the past. One of these legends states that seven Christian bishops, fleeing the Moors, traveled across the "Sea of Darkness", (Atlantic Ocean), and after traveling some distance, they found seven fabulous cities, one for each bishop. These cities were so rich, the streets were paved with gold and the natives wore so much gold, that it was hard for them to move about.

Today we know that neither the bishops nor the Spanish ever found these seven fabulous cities. They believed exactly, word for word, what they read or heard about this legend. They did not understand that this legend was actually a "Coded Message".

I'm sure that many embellishments were added than what the original meaning was meant to be. Remember that this was a legend in 750AD. That means that there were stories about this back then. I may be going out on a limb here, but bear with me for a while. I am going to interpret this legend as to how I think it may have been long ago, with questions.
Instead of seven Christian bishops, could this have meant that one bishop was chosen or volunteered to make this incredible journey? "Golden" by selection or by his beliefs? Thus having the "Seven" being attached to the bishop? Upon his arrival at this distant land, he encountered the "Ancients". Native Indians, that he believed that were so heavily burdened with false gods, that with his Christian teachings and beliefs, he could change these people, into Christian subjects. Making them more "golden" in the eyes of the church or God?

Remember that this is just a story/legend that may only have been told to tell other Christians, that all was not lost. That there are others, in the rest of the world, that need conversion to the church. By using history and symbolism and knowing the interpretations, of what these coded messages actually mean, it might be possible to figure out where these vast stores are located. In a message written long ago, it stated the following: "Seven mines are doing well, but five mines were having some trouble, one collapsed." Upfront, to the uninformed reader of this message, this seems to be a pretty straightforward account of how 12 mines are doing. Seven doing well, four having trouble and one collapsing.

To the informed, this message holds much more information than what is actually presented. The "word" or "number" seven represents Gold and the "word" or "number" five represents Silver. Now when we read the message, with the true interpretations, it is actually stating the following. "The gold mine is doing well, the silver mine has collapsed." Quite different from its' original version, to the uninformed reader.

The Spanish and others knew these facts. That is why they placed these "traps" in and around these places of importance, for those not ordained to enter. These traps are real and were meant to last a lifetime. They are still active today. They would build as many as 13 "Death Traps", to protect their valued sites. From crushing boulders, floor traps, water traps, to spreading arsenic poison on the floor. For visitors not ordained to enter. Breathing in the dust from the floor, that is kicked up during their visit.

So don't think that because of their age, that they are inoperable, that might be the mistake of your life. Literally! These "Death Traps" are discussed in their own classroom.

With literally thousands of treasure sites all over the world, the information contained within these classrooms, will help you in trying to decipher these messages, that have been left for us to figure out. You do not have to be a "Rocket Scientist", but you do need a little common sense, do your research, follow the laws, and most of all, return home safely from all of your adventures.

Do not remove, destroy or obliterate any of these monuments, trailmarkers or signs and symbols. They are artifacts and protected by law. They were meant to last forever. It is our responsibility to leave them as they are.

Let others use them in their education or search. We can not be so shallow minded that we will be the one that will find the treasure. What if you destroyed some sign or symbol and someone gets hurt or dies because of your action? You may not be there when it happens, but you may have to account for it later, when your time comes. You would not like someone doing this to you. So let's keep them as they are and where they are.

"Have fun in your adventures and "Be Safe Out There!"

 No need for anyone to get hurt over a little treasure.

"Hawkeye"