Vasco Nunez Balboa

His Story Now we have to tell you a story again about what happened before he discovered anything famous!

GOAL: In 1500, Balboa sailed from Spain to Colombia, South America. They searched for treasures (pearls and gold) along the northern coast of South America. They were forced to abandon their leaky ship in Hispaniola. The penniless Balboa tried, unsuccessfully, to farm for a living. To escape his debt, in 1510, Balboa and his dog Leoncico stowed away on a boat going from Santo Domingo to San Sebastian.. Balboa convinced the others to travel southwest with him to a spot he had seen on his earlier expedition. In 1511, Balboa founded a colony, the first European settlement in South America

The story continues Once he arrived in Santa Maria del Darien, he was well- liked by the men because he was a good leader and knew the area. The men thought he would be a good leader so they helped him get rid of the town mayor. Balboa took over the town. Later, he became Governor of the region.

As Governor, Balboa headed an overland expedition west through very dense rainforests. Along the way they fought many local Indians and destroyed one Indian village, killing hundreds of Indians. Balboa was the first European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean (in September 1513 Balboa traveled to the ocean and claimed it and all the land that touched it for Spain. They spent about a month conquering Natives along the Pacific coast and stealing their gold.

Exploration: discovered the Pacific Ocean

Claimed the Pacific Ocean for Spain

Facts Fought natives and captured slaves. Searched for gold and treasures until his death Claimed more land for his territory Made sure to deal harshly with natives who fought them or men who challenged his authority Panama’s money today is called the Balboa

Character Traits Based on the story-what character traits would you say he had?