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View of the Reis Magos Fort in the city of Natal, RN. It is positioned between the Potengi River and the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Fábio Dias Monteiro
The official history of the discovery of Brazil on April 22, 1500, with the arrival of Pedro Álvares Cabral's fleet in Porto Seguro, Bahia, is deeply ingrained in the national memory. However, an alternative theory has been gaining strength in recent years, arguing that the initial milestone of Brazilian history occurred in Rio Grande do Norte, specifically at Praia do Marco, now part of the municipality of Touros.
Evidence supporting the theory:
• Maritime currents: The prevailing maritime currents in the South Atlantic during the age of exploration favored the natural arrival of caravels to the coast of Rio Grande do Norte before heading south. The traditional route to Porto Seguro, against the current, was more complex and time-consuming.
• The "Monte Pascoal": The description of "Monte Pascoal" in Pero Vaz de Caminha's letter, the scribe of Cabral's fleet, coincides with the characteristics of Pico do Cabugi, located in Rio Grande do Norte, rather than the Bahian Monte Pascoal.
• The "aguada": Caminha's letter mentions the presence of an "aguada," a location for replenishing drinking water, essential for navigation. Praia do Marco has a river that flows into the sea, providing this freshwater source.
• Distance traveled: Caminha reports that the fleet sailed 3,000 leagues from "Monte Pascoal" to the location where the first cross was erected. This distance corresponds to the journey between Touros and the coast of São Paulo, while the distance between Porto Seguro and São Paulo is considerably shorter.
• The Touros Marker: a foundational stone with inscriptions of Portuguese Caravels found in Touros, RN, dated 1501, is a strong record of the Portuguese arrival in the region.
Arguments against the theory:
• Lack of further historical records: There are no documents from the time that definitively prove Cabral's landing in Rio Grande do Norte. Caminha's letter, the primary source of information, is inconclusive.
• Historical tradition: The version of the discovery in Porto Seguro has been accepted by the academic community for centuries, supported by research and historical studies.
• Cultural and symbolic impact: The date of April 22 is deeply ingrained in the national identity as a symbol of the beginning of Brazilian history.
The importance of the debate:
Regardless of the precise location of the discovery, the discussion on the topic is crucial for developing a more complete and complex understanding of Brazil's history. The critical analysis of different theories contributes to the understanding of the nation's origins, valuing the diversity of interpretations and stimulating historiographical debate.
Conclusion:
The theory of the discovery of Brazil in Rio Grande do Norte, though controversial, presents consistent arguments that deserve consideration. The debate on the topic enriches national history, promoting critical investigation and the pursuit of a deeper understanding of the past.
Learn More (in Portuguese):
• Book: "O Brasil não foi descoberto em 1500" (Brazil was not discovered in 1500), by Marcelo Nóbrega
• Article: "A Descoberta do Brasil no Rio Grande do Norte: Um Estudo das Evidências" (The Discovery of Brazil in Rio Grande do Norte: A Study of Evidence), by Lenine Pinto
• Documentary: "O Descobrimento do Brasil: A Verdadeira História" (The Discovery of Brazil: The True Story), by J.B. de Melo
The Touros Marker, dated 1501, which records the passage of the Portuguese caravels, is exhibited at the Three Wise Men Fort in the city of Natal, RN. Photo by Fábio Dias Monteiro.
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