Age of Exploration

The Fall of Constantinople

1453

The Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. This prompted European nations to seek new trade routes to Asia. Routes would have to bypass Ottoman-controlled lands

Columbus Reaches the Americas

1492

Christopher Columbus successfully completed a voyage to the Americas, sponsored by Spain. He landed in the islands of the Caribbeans, believing he had found a new trade route to Asia. This marked the beginning of European colonization in the Americas.

John Cabot Explores Newfoundland

1497

John Cabot was an Italian Explorer, sailing under the English flag. He landed in what is now Canada. His voyage is considered the first documentation of English exploration in North America.

Vasco Da Gama Reaches India

1497

Vasco Da Gama was a portuguese explorer. He successfully completed a voyage to India by navigating around the southern tip of Africa. This route bypassed the dangerous land route through the silk road, establishing Portuguese trade opportunities with India.

Ponce de Leon Explores Florida

1513

Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer. The main goal of his journey was to find the mythical Fountain of Youth. He claimed the region for Spain and called it "La Florida"

Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama

1513

Vasco Nunez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer. He is credited with being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. His discovery proved the Americas were separate from Asia.

Ferdinand Magellan Circumnavigates the Globe (1519-22)

1519

Ferdinand Magellan was a portuguese navigator sailing for Spain. Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines, but his crew finished the journey. The journey proved Earth's roundness and the possibility of global sea travel.

Hernan Cortes Begins Conquering of the Aztecs

1519

Hernan Cortes was a Spanish Conquistador that landed in Mexico. He formed alliances with rival indigenous groups and used superior weaponry to defeat the Aztecs. He completed his goal in 1521 by capturing the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

Portuguese Establish a Trading Post in India

1526

The mission was commanded by Francisco de Almeida. The Portuguese established the first trading Post in India in the city of Cochine. This established them as a colonial power in Asia that controlled vital spice trade routes, but also put a target on their back for other European powers

Alvarez Nunez Cabeza de Vaca beings expedition through North American Southwest

1528

Alvarez Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer. The original mission was to explore Florida, but a shipwreck occurred. Him and a small group embarked on a journey through America's Southwest, and documented interactions with the interior Native American tribes,