During the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony, a segment narrated the arrival of Europeans in Brazil over 500 years ago. Cast members on three mechanical caravel sailing ships depicted the journey of the Portuguese through uncharted oceans. Upon reaching the centre of the stage, they were surrounded by indigenous people. The Portuguese had found the “land where everything grows”. Designer Claudia Kopke provided a contemporary reinterpretation of 16th century clothing, in which the soldier’s helmet and breastplate are only suggested.