The Bandeirantes or "followers of the banner" were Brazilian colonial scouts, members of the 16th-18th century South American slave-hunting expeditions, called Bandeiras (Port. for "flags"), which took place in the New World. Though their original purpose was to capture natives and force them into slavery, the Bandeirantes later began to focuse their expeditions on finding gold, silver and diamond mines. They ventured into unmapped regions in search of profit and adventure. From 1580 – 16… (More on Bandeirantes)