Pedro Álvares Cabral was a Portuguese explorer who explored the Northeast coast of South Africa and claimed it for Portugal, amongst other voyages. It is disputed whether Cabral was born in 1468 or 1478, but what has become undisputed in history is that Cabral played a key role in the “Age of Discovery”. On one Cabral’s many voyages, this one heading for South America, there was a captain and explorer named Gaspar de Lamos.
On this day Januray 1st, 1502, Rio de Janeiro is discovered by Gaspar de Lamos. He was credited by the Viscount of Santarém for having discovered it. Myth has it that Amerigo Vespucci, a Floerntine explorer, was also invited to be an observer on this expedition. It is also said that America’s name is derived from “Amerigo”. Rio de Janeiro is in Brazil on the bay. The city of Rio de Janeiro was not founded until March 1, 1565.
During the 17th century gold and gems were discovered by a group called the Bandeirantes. After that Rio de Janeiro became a prominent port which would export gold, precious gems, and sugar. Up until the late 18th century Rio de Janeiro was constantly being attacked and invaded by pirates, buccaneers, and the French. Rio de Janeiro was capital of Brazil for many years, and it is now capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro (2nd largest city in Brazil). Rio de Janeiro will be hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup.