Francisco de Orellana Navigates the Amazon
In 1541–1542 Francisco de Orellana, separated from Gonzalo Pizarro's expedition in the Amazon basin, descended the entire length of the Amazon River from the Peruvian foothills to its mouth—the first European to do so. His crew reported encountering large, complex settlements along the river, giving rise to legends of 'El Dorado'. Orellana named the river after the fierce female warriors he claimed his men encountered in battle. The voyage opened European knowledge of the Amazon basin, though effective European penetration of the interior remained limited for centuries.
- Year: 1541 CE
- Category: Political
