Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira

About

Spanish navigator who led two voyages into the Pacific to seek out Terra Australis Incognita: the unknown land of the south.

Before Fame

Tales of rich lands from the Incas inspired him to seek out the new lands in the Pacific.

Trivia

He did not find the continent he was searching for, but he did chart several new islands whose natives offered body parts as gifts.

Family Life

His uncle Lope García de Castro was the viceroy of Peru.

Associated With

Charles Gwynn was another well-known explorer. Gwynn charted the land of Australia once it was finally was found.