Spanish Exploration: Who Else Was Involved?

Who else was involved in the exploration of the New World? The following terms refer to secondary figures who played less obvious, but significant, roles in the New World.

Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (b. 1475 - d. 1519)

Born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Extremadura, Spain in 1475. He was the second son of a minor nobleman; however, their family did not have much wealth. Arrived in the New World in 1501 as part of an expedition to the South American coast (modern-day Venezuela). After a stint in Panama, he settled in Hispaniola temporarily. Unfit for permanent settlement, he stowed away aboard a ship heading to South America in 1510. This expedition was meant to settle San Sebastian, which had several native revolts. After the conquest, Balboa became mayor of the settlement. He set sail to find the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to see it from the west. He was arrested, charged with treason, and executed in 1514.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (b. 1498 - d. 1543)

Charles V (b. 1500 - d. 1558)

Born in Ghent (modern-day Belgium). He inherited Spanish, Habsburg, and Burgundian territories. He also became Holy Roman Emperor. Charles V would become a significant figure in the expansion of Spanish control over the Americas.

Diego Columbus (b. 1480 - d. 1526)

Born in Portugal to Columbus and Felipa Perestrelas Moriz. His mother died when he was four years old. When he was of age, he sued the Spanish crown to obtain the offices and privileges that were granted to his father. His claims were never granted.

Francisco de Coronado (b. 1510 - d. 1554)

Born in Burgos, Spain in 1510. Little is known about his background, but his family descended from minor nobility; thus Coronado was educated. Arrived in the New World in 1535. Appointed governor of New Galicia in 1538. This territory included northwestern Mexico and southeastern American states. Having heard about the Seven Cities of Cibola (a mythical group of cities), he set out to find them in 1540. Although he did not find the cities or abundant wealth, he conquered several native villages. In 1541, he set out to find Quivira, another rumored wealthy city. His native interpreter lied to him, led Coronado and his men into the desert, and turned on him. Coronado returned in 1542 with only a fraction of his men and no gold. He kept his post as governor for a few years after that. He died in 1554.

King Ferdinand (b. 1452 - d. 1516) and Queen Isabella (b. 1451 - d. 1504)

King of Spain who ruled jointly with Queen Isabella. They were known as the Catholic monarchs. They expelled the Jews from Spain and conquered the Muslim kingdom of Granada. They eventually drove the Moors from Spain in 1492.

Bartolemé de Las Casas (b. 1474 - d. 1566)

Initially traveled to the New World with Nicolás de Ovando in 1502 alongside Juan Ponce de León and Francisco Pizarro. He was ordained in 1512 and then participated in the conquest of Cuba in 1513. During this time, he held an encomienda. By 1514, however, Las Casas had become an advocate for the humane treatment of the natives. He spent the rest of his life fighting on behalf of the natives in the Americas.

Mexica (Aztec) (13th - 16th cent.)

The Mexica – often referred to as "Aztecs" in historical writing – were the ruling native group in Mexico at the time of conquest. In terms of geography, the base of their empire, Tenochtitlan, was located on an island in a large lake (the current location of Mexico City). Mexica civilization was as complex and stratified as European society; there was a warrior class, a peasant class, nobility, and priests. Their ruler, Moctezuma, was a revered figure. Cortés defeated the Mexica and took over Tenochtitlan in 1521.

Panfílo de Narváez (b. 1470 - d. 1528)

Arrived in the New World in 1498. Gained experience in Jamaica and then joined an expedition to Cuba. Quickly became known for his brutality toward the natives. In 1520, he was sent to Mexico to track down Cortés. His camp was infiltrated by Cortés and his men, many of whom defected to the opposing side. Taken prisoner (losing an eye in the struggle), and eventually sent back to Spain. In 1527, the Spanish king named him governor of Florida. Between the desertion of 150 troops and the loss of a ship in a hurricane, Narváez began his term on rocky ground. He then led an expedition through Florida and toward the Mississippi River. It is believed that he drowned near the mouth of the river in 1528.

Nicolás de Ovando (b. 1460 - d. 1518)

Colonial governor of Hispaniola. Led an expedition to the New World in 1502, which held many of the well-known conquistadors who are studied today (such as Juan Ponce de León and Francisco Pizarro). Permitted Ponce de León to conduct the conquest of Puerto Rico. Diego Columbus replaced him as colonial governor.

Martin Alonzo Pinzon (b. ? - d. 1493)

Sailed with Columbus as captain of the Pinta. He was unwilling to acknowledge Columbus's authority during the famous voyage. He sailed off to make his own discoveries and met Columbus later, only to find the Niña after the wreck of the Santa Maria. He died a disappointed man because he desired the wealth and recognition that was bestowed on Columbus, his rival.

Vicente Yanez Pinzon (b. 1461 - d. 1513)

Captain of the Niña during the first voyage with Columbus. He was Martin Alonzo's brother, and a respected member of his seafaring family. During the voyage, he remained loyal to Columbus. After the voyage, he resented the fame Columbus received in Spain.

Hernando de Soto (b. 1501 - d. 1542)

Born in Extremadura, Spain in 1501. Arrived in the New World around 1519, when he traveled to Panama. By 1521, he was part of Francisco Pizarro's army. In 1532, he joined Pizarro's expedition to Peru. After being appointed governor of Cuba in 1538, he decided to explore the Florida region (which fell under his control). His expedition marched through Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. He is known for being the first European to spot the Mississippi River. Soto contracted a fever and died on the banks of the river in 1542.

Diego Velazquez

The governor of Cuba during the height of Spanish exploration and colonization.