Francisco de Orellana Bejarano Pizarro y Torres de Altamirano (Spanish pronunciation: [fɾanˈθisko ðe oɾeˈʝana]; 1511 – November 1546) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador. He completed the first known navigation of the entire length of the Amazon River, initially named "Rio de Orellana" until reports of skirmishes that included the women warriors of the Tapuyas tribe brought about the name change. He also founded the city of Guayaquil in what is now Ecuador.
Orellana died during a second expedition on the Amazon.
1542Aug, 26
Francisco de Orellana navigated the Amazon River, reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
Choose Another Date
Events on 1542
- 6May
Old Goa
Francis Xavier reaches Old Goa, the capital of Portuguese India at the time. - 28Aug
Battle of Wofla
Turkish-Portuguese War (1538-57): Battle of Wofla: The Portuguese are scattered, their leader Christovão da Gama is captured and later executed. - 7Oct
Santa Catalina Island, California
Explorer Cabrillo discovers Santa Catalina Island off of the California coast.