Nova, João da

▪ Spanish explorer

Spanish  Juan de Nova  

born 15th century, Galicia, Spain

died 1509, Cochin, India

      Spanish navigator who in the service of Portugal discovered the islands of Ascension and St. Helena (Saint Helena), both off the southwestern coast of Africa.

      Commanding a fleet of four ships, Nova left Portugal on a voyage to India in 1501. En route he discovered Ascension Island. In India he established a trading post at Cannanore (Kannur). During his return voyage to Portugal, Nova discovered St. Helena.

      After returning to India, Nova had a falling-out with Francisco de Almeida (Almeida, Francisco de) and Afonso de Albuquerque (Albuquerque, Afonso de, the Great), who were rivals for leadership of the Estado da India (Portuguese-held India).

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