NOVA, JOO DA

born 15th century, , Galicia, Spain died 1509, Cochin, India Spanish Juan De Nova Spanish navigator who in the service of Portugal discovered the islands of Ascension and St. Helena, both off the southwestern coast of Africa. Commanding a fleet of four ships, Nova left Portugal on a voyage to India in 1501. His crews included Amerigo Vespucci, after whom America was later named. En route he discovered Ascension Island. In India he established a trading post at Cannanore. During his return voyage to Portugal Nova discovered St. Helena. Returning to India later, Nova favoured the sea captain Francisco de Almeida in a power struggle with Afonso de Albuquerque. Nova remained associated with Almeida, who was made the first viceroy of Portuguese India. The chronicles indicate that on his return to Portugal he became immensely popular.