Martim Afonso de Sousa

Martim Alfonso de Sousa was a Portuguese admiral, explorer and colonial administrator who commanded the first colonizing expedition to Brazil (1530–33).

The Portuguese Crown, alarmed by the presence of French and Dutch ships along the coast of Brazil, sent a fleet under the command of Sousa to establish control and to explore the mentioned area. Sousa successfully established the first two permanent Portuguese settlements in Brazil - São Vicente, near the present port of Santos, and Piratininga, now São Paulo. While there, Sousa set up a municipal government, legal and economic system and has made the foundation for the future colonization undertakings.

He is also credited with establishing sugarcane growing, and introduction of other crops and cattle.

In later period of his life de Sousa became the governor of the Portuguese colony in Goa, India.