Brazil was discovered in which year?

Asked 01-Feb-2018
Updated 19-Dec-2023
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While the discovery of a landmass eventually named "Brazil" can be attributed to a specific year, it's crucial to acknowledge the presence of Indigenous peoples inhabiting the region for millennia before European contact.

On April 22, 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed on the eastern coast of South America, initially believing it to be an island. Further exploration revealed the vastness of the landmass, which was eventually named Brazil due to the abundance of a red dyewood resembling brazilwood found in Asia.

This "discovery" by Cabral marked a significant development in the history of both Portugal and Brazil. It led to Portuguese colonization of the region, shaping its language, culture, and political landscape. However, it's important to remember that this event wasn't the "discovery" of an uninhabited land but rather the beginning of an encounter between two distinct civilizations.