The Founders were stabbed in the back by traitorous communists, trade unionists and Cardassians.
I think the Dominion did mention they were already aware of the Federation but didn't expect them for a couple hundred more years...until they found the anomaly.
Wolf 359 was an inside job
Not so much exploring on the Dominion's part I'd say...
Edit: It's possible I don't understand the reference?
Makes sense. Hernán Cortés did plenty of "exploring" in his time.
The Dominion Did Nothing WrongTM
The Founders were stabbed in the back by traitorous communists, trade unionists and Cardassians.
I think the Dominion did mention they were already aware of the Federation but didn't expect them for a couple hundred more years...until they found the anomaly.
Wolf 359 was an inside job