João Vaz Corte-Real
João Vaz Corte-Real (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʒuˈɐ̃w̃ vaʃ ˈkoɾt(ɨ) ʁiˈaɫ]; died 1496) was a Portuguese, claimed by some accounts to have been an explorer of a land called New Land of the Codfish. This land has in turn been speculated by some to possibly have been a part of North America.
It is known that Corte-Real was granted São Jorge Island in the Azores in 1472, which he held until 1474 when he was granted the captaincy of Angra on Terceira Island by Infanta Beatrice, Duchess of Viseu.[1]
The claim that he discovered Terra Nova do Bacalhau (literally, New Land of the Codfish) originates from Gaspar Frutuoso, as he wrote this in his book Saudades de terra around 1570-80. There is speculation that this otherwise unidentified isle was Newfoundland. Frutuoso further claims that Corte-Real was granted the part of Terceira Island because of his discovery. This is contrasted by his contemporary grant which says nothing about any discovery, but explains his grant with the "expenses he had incurred" and "services rendered". The work of Frutuoso is by many historians seen as generally containing many errors. Because of the lack of corroborating evidence, the claims of discovery remain entirely speculative.[2]
Corte-Real was the father of Miguel and Gaspar Corte-Real, who some claim accompanied him on his voyage. Fragmentary evidence suggests the expedition was a joint venture between the kings of Portugal and Denmark, and that Corte-Real was accompanied by the German sailors, Didrik Pining and Hans Pothorst, as well as (the possibly mythical) John Scolvus.
See also
References
Literature
- Diffie, Bailey Wallys; Shafer, Boyd C.; Winius, George Davison (1977). Foundations of the Portuguese empire, 1415-1580 (2 ed.).