The question of identifying the individual credited with the ‘discovery’ of a geographical feature such as a major river is complex, often reflecting a Eurocentric perspective. While indigenous populations had inhabited the Amazon basin for millennia and possessed extensive knowledge of the river system, European historical narratives focus on the first documented exploration by Europeans.
European exploration of the Amazon River began in the 16th century, offering new perspectives on the region’s geography, ecology, and inhabitants for European audiences. These expeditions, though often driven by motives of resource acquisition and territorial expansion, resulted in documentation that shaped European understanding of South America and spurred further exploration and colonization. Understanding the historical context helps to appreciate the limitations and biases inherent in assigning ‘discovery’ to a single individual.
