EXPLORATION

Prince Henry The Navigator

Jan 1, 1419

No exact date except year) In 1419, Henry founded a navigation school on the southwestern coast of Portugal. Mapmakers, instrument makers, shipbuilders, scientists, and sea captains gathered there to perfect their trade.

Bartolomeu Dias

Aug 1, 1488

Exact day unknown) First European to sail around the south coast of Africa and up along the east coast.

Christopher Columbus

Aug 2, 1492

Originally searching for a quicker route to Asia, Columbus instead discovered the Carribean islands. Columbus started the expedition into the New World

Amerigo Vespucci

Jan 1, 1497

No exact date except year) (1497, 1499, 1501) Explored up and down the coast of South America. America was named after him.

John Cabot

May 2, 1497

Claimed coastal lands in present day Canada and U.S. for England. Founded colonies.

Vasco Da Gama

Jul 8, 1497

First European to sail around the south of Africa and reach India.

Juan Ponce de Leon

May 3, 1513

Spanish explorer and soldier who was the first European to set foot in Florida. Went searching for riches and the Fountain of Youth. Landed on the East Coast of Florida(St. Augustine) and named it "Pascua de Florida" (feast of flowers) and claimed the land for Spain.

Hernan Cortes

Jan 1, 1519

(1519-1521) Conquered the rich Aztec Empire in Mexico.