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Spanish conquistador and explorer, Balboa was the first European to see and stand in the water of the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean, on September 13,1513.
Balboa accomplished this after an arduous trek through the jungles of what is now Panama. He claimed the Pacific Ocean and all its shores for Spain, opening the way for Spanish exploration and conquest along the western coast of South America. However, it was the Portuguese explorer, Magellen, who, because its waters seemed so calm, gave the name' Pacifica' (meaning peaceful.)
Balboa was born in Jerez de los Caballerous, Spain. His father, though noble was not wealthy or influential. Young Vasco had to work in the household of a rich nobleman in the port city of Moguer. After Columbus reached America in 1492, when Balboa was only 17, many ships heading for the New World took on supplies and sailors from the port city of Moguer. Sailors returning from these voyagers told stories about the new lands across the sea and the opportunity for wealth aand fame attracted Balboa. In 1501 at age 26, he joined a Spanish expedition to South America. The troop explored the northern coast of what is now called Columbia. Not having enough food, men or supplies, they were unable to settle there. Balboa returned to the island of Hispaniola (Cuba) and settled for raising pigs for a living. In 1509 the first Spanish expedition to colonize the mainland of South America left Hispaniola. Balboa wanted to join the expedition, but because he was deeply in debt, the men to whom he owed money prevented him from leaving. The following year, Balboa stowed away on a ship that was carrying supplies to the new settlement. After reaching the mainland, the new settlers found that the Spaniards had abandoned it because of hostile Indians and a lack of food. Balboa suggested that they move to the western side of the Gulf, where the Indians were more peaceful. At last, the Spainards established the city of Darien. Balboa became the unofficial, acting governor of Darien and led expeditions into Panama, conquering some Indians and making agreements with others. In 1511, Indians told him of a sea on the other side of the Isthmus of Panama, as well as tales of gold and other wealth in an area farther to the south, (the Incas of Peru.) Knowing his claim to the governorship of Darien was weak, (it had not been approved by the King of Spain), Balboa need to perform a spectacular fete, that would win the King's approval. In September of 1513 he lad an expedition of about 90 Spainards and a considerable number of Indians, to find this large ocean the Indians had told him about. Three weeks later, his guides told Balboa he would be able to see the ocean from a nearby mountain. Balboa instructed his men to stay behind while he climbed the mountain peak. From there he sighted the Pacific Ocean for the first time. All reaching the area, Balboa and his men found gold and pearls, which Balboa decided to send back to the King of Spain. Befor the news of Balboa's accomplishemnt reached the throne, King Ferdinand appointed an elderly nobelman Pedro Aries de Avila to be the new governor of Darien. Once the King learned of Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean, he appointed him to serve under the new governor. Unfortunately for Balboa, de Avila was a jealous man who winced at the growing popularity and influence that Balboa had developed. In 1518, the new governor falsely accused Balboa of treason, had him arrested, ordering a speedy trial and sentenced the young conquer to death. In January of 1519, Balboa and four close friends and other supporters were beheaded.
Despite his unjust execution, truth prevails in the end. Vasco Nunez de Balboa fades into history as one of the great explorers of the Americas.
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