Ojeda, Alonso de

Ojeda, Alonso de (älōn`sō thā ōhā`thä), c.1466–1515?, Spanish conquistador. He joined Columbus on his second voyage and in 1499—at first accompanied by Vespucci—explored the northeastern coast of South America. In 1508 he was made governor of territories of N South America. Near present Cartagena he was defeated by the Native Americans and virtually rescued by Diego de Nicuesa. Again he had trouble with the Native Americans and, leaving his men under the command of Francisco Pizarro, sought aid in Hispaniola. He reached Cuba, but his actions after arrival are obscure. His men abandoned the colony and were picked up not far from Cartagena by Enciso.