Mid 17th century Portugal, in a deep financial crisis, decided to extend Brazilian territory to the west, where it was believed that there was gold and precious stones to be discovered. Fernão Dias Paes, a loyal servant of the metropolis, accepted the task of discovering the riches that would preserve the luxury of the Portuguese crown. Wealthy and already sixty-five years old, he left his wife and daughters and went in search of Eldorado becoming one of the most prominent bandeirantes.—Bernardo74