Sebastián de Ocampo

Sebastián de Ocampo was a Spanish explorer and navigator who was born in the late 15th century in the city of Seville, Spain. He is best known for his exploration of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as his role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Ocampo was born into a family of merchants and was educated in the arts and sciences. He was a skilled navigator and was able to use his knowledge of the stars and the ocean to guide his ships. He was also a skilled cartographer and was able to create detailed maps of the areas he explored.

In 1517, Ocampo was commissioned by the Spanish Crown to explore the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. He was given three ships and a crew of over 200 men. He sailed from Cuba to the Yucatan Peninsula and then to the coast of Mexico. He explored the coast of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, mapping the area and looking for potential trading opportunities.

In 1519, Ocampo was part of the Spanish expedition led by Hernán Cortés that conquered the Aztec Empire. Ocampo was responsible for mapping the area and providing navigational assistance to the expedition. He also helped to establish the first Spanish settlements in the area.

After the conquest of the Aztec Empire, Ocampo continued to explore the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. He explored the coasts of Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola, as well as the coasts of Central America. He also explored the coasts of South America, including the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia.

In 1525, Ocampo was appointed as the first governor of the newly established Spanish colony of New Spain. He was responsible for the administration of the colony and for the exploration of the area. He explored the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, as well as the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocampo died in 1526, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most important explorers of the Spanish Empire and his explorations helped to shape the history of the Americas. He is also remembered for his role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and for his contributions to the mapping of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.