The prominent treaty that split the New World between Spain and Portugal in 1494 is known as the Treaty of Tordesillas. Mediated by the Pope, the treaty divided newly discovered lands outside Europe along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Azores. Spain received the western territories, while Portugal was granted control over the eastern territories, including Brazil. This agreement significantly impacted colonial policies and territorial expansion by both nations, shaping European interests in the Americas for centuries. The Treaty of Tordesillas is a critical moment in the history of European exploration, reflecting the fierce competition for overseas empires.