Vasco Balboa
Born: 1475 in Badajoz, Spain
Died: 1519 in Acla, Panama
Sponsor: King Ferdinand of Spain sponsored his voyage.
Balboa's Motivation: Balboa was inspired by Columbus' success and set sail for gold. Balboa requested one fifth of whatever gold he claimed for Spain.
Expedition: Balboa set sail in 1501. Balboa sailed the Caribbean coats from the east of Panama to Columbia. When Balboa realized he did not have enough men to continue his travels he sailed to Haiti/Dominican Republic. It was here that Balboa tried to make his living as a pig farmer. Unfortunately, the natives worshiped the pig and did not want to eat what he was selling.
Change of Fortune: In 1510 Balboa stowed away in a boat to San Sebastian, Panama. Balboa saw that San Sebastian was in ruins. He suggested starting a new colony in Darien, Panama. This was the first European colony in South America. Balboa became the governor of this colony and married the local Indian chief's daughter, Careta.
Eastern Shore of the Pacific Ocean: Local natives told Balboa of gold across the mountains near the great sea. Balboa led an expedition from Darien through the dense rain forests. Along the way, Balboa fought and killed hundreds of natives. He was the first European to see the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean and claimed the shores for Spain.
Downfall: A jealous rival framed Balboa and accused him of treason against Spain. Balboa was tried and sentenced to death.
Died: 1519 in Acla, Panama
Sponsor: King Ferdinand of Spain sponsored his voyage.
Balboa's Motivation: Balboa was inspired by Columbus' success and set sail for gold. Balboa requested one fifth of whatever gold he claimed for Spain.
Expedition: Balboa set sail in 1501. Balboa sailed the Caribbean coats from the east of Panama to Columbia. When Balboa realized he did not have enough men to continue his travels he sailed to Haiti/Dominican Republic. It was here that Balboa tried to make his living as a pig farmer. Unfortunately, the natives worshiped the pig and did not want to eat what he was selling.
Change of Fortune: In 1510 Balboa stowed away in a boat to San Sebastian, Panama. Balboa saw that San Sebastian was in ruins. He suggested starting a new colony in Darien, Panama. This was the first European colony in South America. Balboa became the governor of this colony and married the local Indian chief's daughter, Careta.
Eastern Shore of the Pacific Ocean: Local natives told Balboa of gold across the mountains near the great sea. Balboa led an expedition from Darien through the dense rain forests. Along the way, Balboa fought and killed hundreds of natives. He was the first European to see the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean and claimed the shores for Spain.
Downfall: A jealous rival framed Balboa and accused him of treason against Spain. Balboa was tried and sentenced to death.
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