Age of Exploration timeline

By Korbin Childers
  • 1415

    Portugal

    Portugal
    Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal begins the exploration of the west coast of Africa, seeking new trade routes and establishing fortified trading posts.
  • Period: 1415 to

    Age of Exploration

  • 1492

    Spain

    Spain
    Christopher Columbus Lands in the Caribbean
    Columbus, sponsored by Spain, reaches the islands of the Caribbean, mistakenly thinking he has found a route to Asia.
  • 1497

    England

    England
    John Cabot's Exploration of North America
    Sponsored by England, John Cabot sails to North America, claiming land for the English crown.
  • 1498

    Vasco da Gama Reaches India

    Vasco da Gama Reaches India
    Vasco da Gama sails around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope) and reaches India, establishing a sea route to Asia.
  • 1500

    Pedro Álvares Cabral Discovers Brazil

    Pedro Álvares Cabral Discovers Brazil
    Cabral accidentally lands on the coast of Brazil while on a voyage to India, claiming it for Portugal.
  • 1510

    Portuguese Colonization of Goa

    Portuguese Colonization of Goa
    The Portuguese establish a major trading base in Goa, India, marking a significant expansion of their influence in Asia.
  • 1519

    Ferdinand Magellan's Circumnavigation Begins

    Ferdinand Magellan's Circumnavigation Begins
    Ferdinand Magellan, leading a Spanish expedition, becomes the first to sail around the world (though he dies during the voyage).
  • 1521

    Hernán Cortés Conquers the Aztec Empire

    Hernán Cortés Conquers the Aztec Empire
    Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés overthrows the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico.
  • 1532

    Francisco Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire

    Francisco Pizarro Conquers the Inca Empire
    Pizarro leads the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in South America.
  • 1534

    France

    France
    Jacques Cartier Discovers Canada
    Jacques Cartier explores the Gulf of St. Lawrence and claims parts of Canada for France.
  • 1577

    Sir Francis Drake's Circumnavigation

    Sir Francis Drake's Circumnavigation
    Drake becomes the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe, claiming new territories and plundering Spanish ships along the way.

  • The English Defeat the Spanish Armada

    The English Defeat the Spanish Armada
    The English navy defeats the Spanish Armada, establishing England as a major naval power.

  • French Expansion in the Caribbean

    French Expansion in the Caribbean
    France begins colonizing islands in the Caribbean, such as Haiti, producing sugar and other valuable commodities.

  • Establishment of Jamestown, Virginia

    Establishment of Jamestown, Virginia
    The English establish the first permanent settlement in the Americas at Jamestown, Virginia.

  • Samuel de Champlain Founds Quebec

    Samuel de Champlain Founds Quebec
    Samuel de Champlain establishes the settlement of Quebec, marking the beginning of French colonization in North America.

  • French Exploration of the Mississippi River

    French Exploration of the Mississippi River
    French explorers, led by Marquette and Joliet, explore the Mississippi River, laying the groundwork for French expansion in the interior of North America.