age of discovery

The Portuguese seize Ceuta, sparking interest in rounding Africa.

1415

By the 1400s, Portugal is strong enough to expand into Muslim North Africa, and they seize the coastal city of Ceuta in 1415. Their victory inspires Prince Henry, later known as Henry the Navigator, to organize voyages along the western coast of Africa.

Christopher Columbus lands in the Caribbean.

1492

spain finances Christopher Columbus' voyage to find a western trade route to Asia. Columbus lands in the Caribbean in 1492, falsely believing he had reached East Asia.

The Line of Demarcation divides the world between Spain and Portugal.

1493

Spain and Portugal press rival claims to the lands Columbus explores, and in 1493 Pope Alexander VI steps in to settle things. He makes the Line of Demarcation, which divides the non-European world into two parts.

Portugal claims Brazil

1494

Although Spain continues to claim land in South America, a large area remains outside its reach. In the Treaty of Tordesillas, Portugal claims Brazil

John Cabot lands on the east coast of North America.

1497

Hoping to find a northwest passage to Asia, John Cabot goes on a voyage from England. When he lands on the east coast of North America, he claims the land for King Henry VII, wrongly believing he is in Asia.

Vasco da Gama reaches India after rounding Africa.

1498

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached India after rounding the southern tip of Africa. Although he lost half his ships and many sailors died, the voyage was very profitable and he returned with a cargo of spices.

Da Gama forces a treaty on the ruler of Calicut and sets up a trading post.

1502

Thanks to his success in India, da Gama is able to get a new fleet, and in 1502 he forces a treaty of cooperation on the ruler of Calicut. He then leaves Portuguese merchants in Calicut to set up trade with spice merchants.

Portugal seizes Malacca.

1511

After da Gama's success in setting up a trading post, the Portuguese began to capture key ports around the Indian Ocean. In 1511 they seized Malacca, which let them ally with Asian leaders and established a big foothold in Asian trade routes.

Hernan Cortés lands in Mexico.

1519

Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernan Cortés landed on the coast of Mexico with 600 men, 16 horses, and a few cannons. While the Spaniards were vastly outnumbered by the Aztecs, they captured and demolished the capital city of Tenochtitlán in a brutal assault in 1521.

The Vittoria completes its circumnavigation of the globe.

1522

The Vittoria completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, almost three years after setting out. While Ferdinand Magellan lead the initial expedition, he and four other ships did not survive the entire voyage.