The first known European explorer to reach Bermuda was Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermúdez in 1503, after whom the islands are named. He claimed the apparently uninhabited islands for the Spanish Empire. Paying two visits to the archipelago, Bermúdez never landed on the islands, but did create a recognisable map of the archipelago. Shipwrecked Portuguese mariners are now thought to have been responsible for the 1543 inscription in Portuguese Rock (previously called Spanish Rock). Subsequent Spanish or other European parties are believed to have released pigs there, which had become feral and abundant on the island by the time European settlement began. In 1609, the English Virginia Company, which had established Jamestown in Virginia (a term originally applied to all of the North American continent) two years earlier, permanently settled Bermuda in the aftermath of a hurricane, when the crew and passengers of the Sea Venture steered the ship onto the surrounding reef to prevent its sinking, then landed ashore. COUNT 9
QSN1 The first known European explorer to reach Bermuda was of what nationality? ANS1 Spanish QSN2 What is the name of the first European explorer to reach Bermuda? ANS2 Juan de Bermúdez QSN3 What animal did the Spaniards or other Europeans bring to the island that then became wild inhabitants? ANS3 pigs QSN4 What company permanently settled Bermuda? ANS4 the English Virginia Company QSN5 Who was the first known European explorer to reach Bermuda? ANS5 Juan de Bermúdez QSN6 In what year did Jaun de Bermudez first reach Bermuda? ANS6 1503 QSN7 How many times did Bermudez visit the archipelago? ANS7 two QSN8 What animal are European parties responsible for releasing in Bermuda? ANS8 pigs QSN9 In what year did the English Virginia Company settle permanently in Bermuda? ANS9 1609