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Vasco Núñez de Balboa

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vasco Núñez de Balboa claims the South Sea. 19th century engraving by unknown artist

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the Pacific Ocean and all of its shores for Spain.[2] He was searching for gold at the time.[2] In Darién, he had been replaced by a new governor, Pedro Arias Dávila.[3] On orders from Spain, Dávila was to investigate Balboa.[3] On Balboa's return to Darién in 1519, Dávila had him placed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]

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.