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1418
Navigation School Established in Portugal
Prince Henry the Navigator established a navigation school in Portugal. This contributed to the creating of lighter, more seaworthy ships such as the caravel. -
1453
Fall of Constantinople
The fall of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, led to the cutting off of the trade route with Asia, causing the Roman Empire to try to find another trade route. This was one of the reasons for undertaking exploration trips. -
1479
Kasova Treaty
Under these treaties, the Catholic Monarchs recognized Portuguese sovereignty over most of West Africa. This allowed Portugal to dominate the trade in gold, slaves, ivory, and spices. -
1492
Christopher Columbus's Journey
On this date, Christopher Columbo's journey began. He reached the Caribbean shores. This was the first step in his discovery of the American continent. -
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal agree to divide the discovered lands outside of Europe. -
1497
Vasco da Gama
The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama led his voyage, which began in Lisbon. During this voyage, he succeeded in rounding the Cape of Good Hope. This voyage opened a direct trade route between Europe and Asia. -
1500
Portugal Establishing Trading Post in India
Portugal establishes a trading post in India. This allowed European trade to dominate Asian markets. -
1519
Ferdinand Magellan's Expedition Circumnavigates the Globe
The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed from Seville to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. This journey led to the discovery of the Strait of Magellan, a sea passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which also proved that the Earth is spherical. -
Establishment of the East India Company
Britain established the East India Company. This company expanded trade with Asia and contributed to the growth of the European colonial empire. -
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal was established, which facilitated trade between Europe and Asia.