THE DISCOVERY OF BRAZIL

Brazil was discovered by a Portuguese expedition led by Admiral Peter Álvares Cabral, in 22 of April of 1500, after 44 days of trip. When discovered, the new land was called Island Vera Cross, after that Land of Vera Cross for, finally, receiving the name from Brazil, due to a name tree "Pau Brazil" (wood).

"(...) in this coast we did not see advantage thing, except a infinity of wood trees Brazil (...)"wrote Américo Vespúcio, in September of 1504. People without illusions, all the Portuguese had transformed Brazil into a great farm of "Pau Brazil" (wood).

The discovery of the "new land" very was well told by a letter sent to the king of Portugal for Pero Vaz de Caminha, registering, with details, the arrival to the land and the first contacts with the natives. Very little nations possess these data, but still thus the doubt hangs if the discovery was mere a perhaps or intentional one.

by Maira V. Braga