Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador

Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1475–1519) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador.[1] He was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean.[1] Balboa was one of those who established the settlement at Darién in what is now Panama.[2] He was elected mayor, then governor.[3] In 1513, he claimed the Pacific Ocean and all of its shores for Spain.[2] He was searching for gold at the time.[2] In Darién, he had been replaced by a new governor, Pedro Arias Dávila.[3] On orders from Spain, Dávila was to investigate Balboa.[3] On Balboa's return to Darién in 1519, Dávila had him placed on trial, then executed for treason.[3]

Vasco Núñez de Balboa claims the South Sea. 19th century engraving by unknown artist

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "Vasco Núñez de Balboa Biography". Bio. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Vasco Núñez de Balboa". History. A&E Television Networks, LLC. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Vasco Núñez de Balboa". Biografías y Vidas. Retrieved January 19, 2017.