Vasco Nunez de Balboa Discovers the Pacific

Balboa is best known for the discovery of the Pacific Ocean. He led a team of explorers across Panama to the Pacific.

Vasco Nunez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer who had spent many years in the New World. While exploring the coast of Panama, he heard rumors of a vast sea on the other side of the region. Motivated by these tales, he led an expedition through the mountains of Panama.

On September 25th, 1513, Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and became the first European to behold the Pacific Ocean. He was accompanied by 190 Spaniards and several Native guides. This discovery ignited interest among explorers seeking a direct route to the Pacific. Balboa then spent months exploring the western coast of Central America.

However, Balboa's fortunes declined when he fell out of favor with the Spanish authorities. In 1519, he was arrested on charges of treason and was executed.

Biography of Vasco Balboa
Internet Links on Vasco Balboa

---