Vasco de Balboa



Explorer's Background- Vasco de Balboa was born around 1475. He was born to a poor family. He grew up without education. He was born in a town called Jerez de los Caballerus, Estremadure, Spain.


Exploration and Purpose- Balboa set out in 1500 in search for gold. He crossed Panama while searching for riches, and came upon a land that was burnt to ashe. So, he set off for a new land.


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Arrival Point- Balboa ended up in Santa Maria de la Antigua del Darien. No one had claimed this land as they're own, so he claimed it as Spain's. This was the first European settlement in South America.


Explorer's contribution- Vasco was the first European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama. Vasco never returned home from his voyages. In 1519, he was fausly accused of treason and was publically beheaded.