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| Personal Information | Francisco de Orellana was born in Trujillo Spain, somewhere between the late 1400s and the early 1500s. He is known as the Spanish explorer of the Amazon. Orellana died on his last expedition exploring the Amazon River from its mouth. |
| Purpose
of Expedition |
Orellana was originally searching for the mythical land of El Dorado. This land was supposed to be so rich that their ruler covered himself with gold dust, and washed it off every evening. He was also looking for food because Spaniards were starving. Another purpose was to discover and claim the Amazon River. |
| Travel
Routes |
The expedition started in the interior of South America in 1538. It was then that he was separated from the rest of his group and floated down the length of the Amazon River. |
| Results
of Expedition |
Orellana found the Amazon River, which was the world's largest river. That discovery opened up many South American trading opportunities. |
| Importance
of Discovery |
He found a new Spanish territory. It also was significant to South American trade. There are many large companies today who ship products such as clothing, medicine, and lumber along the Amazon River. |
| Other
Important Facts |
Orellana’s close friends, The Pizzaros, were looking not only for El Dorado, but the land of cinnamon as well. His tales of female warriors are what gave the Amazon River its name. He died in a subsequent event to explore the rivers mouth. This was in the year 1546. |
| Research by: | Tyler B, Hayden G, Kristen C |
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