On 9 سپتامبر 1513, the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. He reached the ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama, a significant achievement in the Age of Exploration. This discovery opened new routes for trade and exploration. Balboa's expedition was part of Spain's efforts to expand its territories and influence in the New World. His sighting of the Pacific marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to further exploration and eventual colonization of the Pacific regions by European powers.