The Discovery of the Pacific Ocean: Myths and Facts

Before the famous Spanish explorer, Vasco Núez de Balboa, discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513, the largest ocean known to Europeans was the Atlantic Ocean. Balboa's expedition marked a significant milestone, but the truth is that the Pacific Ocean was already well known and utilized by various civilizations for centuries.

Before Balboa: The Largest Ocean

It is a common misbelief that the Pacific Ocean was the first ocean to be discovered. In fact, long before Balboa's 1513 expedition, numerous other oceans and seas had already been sailed and explored by different cultures. The largest ocean before Balboa's discovery, for Europeans, was the Atlantic Ocean. However, for many years, the Pacific Ocean, covering significantly more area than all the landmasses combined, was the true largest ocean on Earth.

Historical Context and Misconceptions

The idea that the Pacific Ocean suddenly appeared when Balboa saw it for the first time is a popular misconception. In reality, the Pacific Ocean had been long known to various civilizations, particularly those in Asia and Polynesia. Marco Polo, for example, reported on the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean as early as the 13th century. Even the island nations of Polynesia, such as Rapanui (Easter Island) and Aotearoa (New Zealand), had named it and used it for centuries. This body of water was known as Moana Nui, and it was a bustling hub of trade and migration.

The Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans

When early human civilizations first ventured beyond the sight of land, the Mediterranean Sea was likely the largest body of water they encountered. Similarly, when Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492, he was actually searching for a faster route to Asia. His journey inadvertently led to the exploration and subsequent exploitation of the New World by European powers. However, these explorations do not negate the long history of maritime navigation and knowledge of the oceans by various civilizations.

The Exploitation and Discovery

For Europeans, the Pacific Ocean remained largely unknown until Balboa's expedition. For centuries, the Pacific had been part of the maritime territories of various Pacific Island nations, each with their own names and longstanding traditions of navigation. The Spanish conquistadors, such as Balboa, received credit for discovering the ocean's eastern edge, but this was far from the truth. The peoples of the Pacific had been navigating and utilizing the vast waters for thousands of years, with extensive trade networks and well-established migration patterns.

In conclusion, the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Balboa in 1513 was a significant moment in the history of navigation and exploration. However, the ocean itself was not a new entity, and its existence was well known long before this event. The true story of the Pacific Ocean is one of historical knowledge and long-standing traditions of maritime exploration that predate the European discoveries.