Vasco+Nunez+de+Balboa

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Vasco Núñez de Balboa was an explorer from Spain. He went on many explorations. He is most famous for discovering the Pacific Ocean. He lived to be 44 years old, (1475-1519.)

Early Life
Vasco Núñez de Balboa was born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. Balboa grew up in a poor lifestlye, and he was never educated. Balboa also worked as a servant to a rich man in Moguer. He never had kids, but he had a wife named Maria de Penalosa. After Christopher Columbus' trip to the New World, Balboa was inspired to explore and go on expeditions.



Balboa's First Voyage
In 1500, Balboa joined a voyage to South America. The Spanians at first explored Uraba, modern-day Columbia, but they did not have enough people to actually settle there. Then they sailed to Hispaniola. Balboa settled in Hispaniola, but he could not farm well and was in serious debt. However, Balboa did raise pigs for a little while. In 1509, the settlers decided to leave Hispaniola. Balboa tried to leave but he was in so much debt that the people who he owed would not let him leave. He did manage to escape, however, on a supplies ship with new settlers.

Balboa's Discovery of the Pacific Ocean
On September 13. 1513, Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean. He was also the first person to stand in the eastern section of the ocean. He was exploring what is now Panama when he discovered it. Ferdinand Magellen, however, was the one who named it the Pacific Ocean. This came from the Latin word "Pacifica," meaning peaceful.

Balboa's Voyage of 1510
After escaping from Hispaniola, Balboa and the settlers ran into the survivors of San Sebastian. They had left because of Indians and the neccesity of food. Soon after, everyone went back to San Sebastian. Because of Balboa's knowledge of the land, he told everyone to move to the western side of the gulf where the Indians were more peaceful. When they arrived, they developed the town called Santa María de la Antigua del Darién, or Darién. Balboa was the governor of Darién.

After the Voyage
Before the news of Balboa's voyage had spread to Spain, Pedrarias Dávila was made the new governor. When Balboa's voyage was heard of, Balboa was appointed to serve under Dávila. Balboa then established a town called Alca. He also sent materials to build ships. By 1518, two ships were completed. Then he explored along the Gulf of Panama.

Balboa's Death
Padrarias Dávila was very jealous of Balboa. Balboa was favored over Dávila by the king, and Balboa sent him pearls. Dávila became very angry at Balboa, and he soon reported him for treason. Dávila arranged a quick trial and Balboa was executed. With him were four other friends. This happened in January, 1519, in Alca at the public square.