Feb 12 • 13:30 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

February 12, 1542, discovery of the Amazon River

The article discusses the historical significance of the Amazon River, claiming Ecuadorian ownership based on royal decrees, and recounts its discovery by Francisco de Orellana in 1542.

The article outlines the historical and cultural significance of the Amazon River, asserting that it rightfully belongs to Ecuador due to royal decrees dated 1563 and 1740. The author expresses a sense of loss after the country ceded its control over the river through the 1942 Treaty of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the Amazon as not only the world's largest river by discharge but also as a crucial communication route within Ecuador's territory.

Discovered by Francisco de Orellana on February 12, 1542, the Amazon River—referred to as Marañón by some—is framed within the article as a critical part of Ecuador’s heritage. Its watershed is highlighted as the largest globally, spanning approximately 6,100,000 square kilometers and nurturing an incredibly diverse ecosystem. The river's vastness is metaphorically described as a "true sea," emphasizing its magnitude and the awe it inspires among those who behold it.

Furthermore, the article portrays the Amazon as not only a geographical wonder but also a realm brimming with exotic fauna, such as formidable caimans and serpents. This blend of history, ecology, and national pride reflects an ongoing reverence for the Amazon River, threading together notions of identity, environmental stewardship, and historical justice for the region that holds profound significance for Ecuadorians.

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