SOUSA, TOM DE

born c. 1515 died 1573 also spelled Thom De Souza Portuguese nobleman and soldier who became the first governor-general (154953) of the Portuguese colony of Brazil. After military service in Africa and India, Sousa led a 1,000-man expedition to Brazil, where he built the fortified capital of Salvador. He assisted the Jesuits in converting the native population and helped to reestablish the king's authority throughout the colony. In 1552 he recommended Rio de Janeiro as a site for settlement and fortification. Sousa returned to Portugal in 1553 and spent his remaining years as the king's adviser on Brazilian affairs.