Who discovered the South Sea?

The correct name for the ocean east and south of Asia and Australia is the Pacific Ocean, also known as the "Great Ocean". The discovery and exploration of the Pacific Ocean took place over several centuries, with contributions from various explorers and navigators.

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, is credited with being the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean during his circumnavigation of the globe. In 1519, Magellan set out from Spain with five ships and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. He discovered the Strait of Magellan, allowing passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Magellan proceeded on to the Philippine Islands, where he was killed in a conflict with locals, but his crew continued the voyage and completed the first circumnavigation of the world.

Other notable explorers who contributed to the exploration of the Pacific Ocean include:

1. Vasco Núñez de Balboa: In 1513, he became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the American mainland.

2. Juan Sebastián Elcano: He completed the first circumnavigation of the world in 1522 after Magellan's death.

3. Francisco Pizarro: He led expeditions that resulted in the conquest of the Inca Empire in South America.

4. James Cook: In the late 18th century, Cook made extensive voyages in the Pacific Ocean, exploring the coasts and discovering numerous islands.

5. Luís Vaz de Camões: He composed "The Lusiads," an epic poem that celebrated the Portuguese exploration of the Pacific Ocean.

The mapping, exploration, and understanding of the Pacific Ocean were a collaborative effort involving different European nations and explorers. It was a gradual process that spanned several centuries, with numerous voyages and expeditions that added to the knowledge of the vast expanse of water.