1502day.year
The present-day location of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is first explored by the Portuguese.
A Portuguese expedition charted what is now Guanabara Bay on January 1, 1502, marking the first European exploration of the site that would become Rio de Janeiro.
In 1502, an expedition led by Portuguese navigators reached the bay of present-day Rio de Janeiro during the Age of Discovery. Mistaking it for the Bay of All Saints, they named it Rio de Janeiro ('January River') due to its discovery at the start of the year. This encounter marked one of the earliest European contacts with the Brazilian coast and helped secure Portugal's territorial claims in South America. The voyage showcased advanced navigational techniques and maritime prowess under King Manuel I. It paved the way for future settlements and trade routes that would transform the region. The event stands as a milestone in the history of exploration and colonial expansion.
1502
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Portuguese