Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1475–1519) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador. He was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. Balboa was one of those who established the settlement at Darién in what is now Panama. He was elected mayor, then governor. In 1513, he claimed the Pacific Ocean and all of its shores for Spain. He was searching for gold at the time. In Darién, he had been replaced by a new governor, Pedro Arias Dávila. On orders from Spain, Dávila was to investigate Balboa. On Balboa's return to Darién in 1519, Dávila had him placed on trial, then executed for treason.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Questions and Answers
Q: Who was Vasco Núñez de Balboa?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer and conquistador.
Q: What was Vasco Núñez de Balboa known for?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa was known for being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean and for claiming the ocean and all of its shores for Spain.
Q: Where did Vasco Núñez de Balboa establish a settlement?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa established a settlement at Darién, which is now in Panama.
Q: What position did Vasco Núñez de Balboa hold in the settlement at Darién?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa was elected mayor, then governor of the settlement at Darién.
Q: Why was Vasco Núñez de Balboa placed on trial and executed?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa was placed on trial and executed for treason on orders from Spain after he was investigated by the new governor, Pedro Arias Dávila.
Q: Who replaced Vasco Núñez de Balboa as governor of the settlement at Darién?
A: Pedro Arias Dávila replaced Vasco Núñez de Balboa as governor of the settlement at Darién.
Q: What was Vasco Núñez de Balboa doing when he claimed the Pacific Ocean for Spain?
A: Vasco Núñez de Balboa was searching for gold when he claimed the Pacific Ocean and all of its shores for Spain.