Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa was a Spanish explorer, navigator, and historian who lived during the 16th century. He is best known for his exploration of the Pacific Ocean and his role in the Spanish conquest of Peru. He was born in 1532 in the city of Valladolid, Spain, and was the son of a wealthy family. He was educated in the humanities and law, and was a member of the Spanish court.
At the age of twenty-five, Sarmiento de Gamboa joined the Spanish navy and was sent to the New World. He was part of the expedition of Pedro de Mendoza, who was sent to explore the region of the Río de la Plata. During this expedition, Sarmiento de Gamboa explored the coasts of Brazil and Argentina, and was the first European to reach the mouth of the Río de la Plata. He also explored the coasts of Chile and Peru, and was the first European to reach the Strait of Magellan.
In 1554, Sarmiento de Gamboa was appointed as the commander of the Spanish fleet that was sent to explore the Pacific Ocean. He was the first European to explore the Pacific coast of South America, and he was the first to circumnavigate the continent. He also explored the coasts of Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. During this expedition, he encountered the Inca Empire and was the first European to make contact with them.
In 1559, Sarmiento de Gamboa was appointed as the governor of the newly-conquered city of Lima, Peru. He was responsible for the establishment of the city and the organization of the Spanish colonial government in Peru. He also wrote a book about his travels in the Pacific, which was published in 1572.
In 1579, Sarmiento de Gamboa was appointed as the viceroy of Peru. He was responsible for the administration of the Spanish colonies in Peru and for the defense of the Spanish Empire in the region. He was also responsible for the suppression of the Inca rebellion in 1581.
In 1584, Sarmiento de Gamboa was arrested and imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition. He was accused of heresy and was sentenced to death. However, he was pardoned by the King of Spain and released from prison. He returned to Spain in 1586 and died in 1592.
Throughout his life, Sarmiento de Gamboa was an important figure in the exploration and colonization of the New World. He was a pioneer in the exploration of the Pacific Ocean and was the first European to make contact with the Inca Empire. He was also an important figure in the establishment of the Spanish colonial government in Peru. His legacy lives on today in the form of his writings and his exploration of the Pacific Ocean.