European Exploration

Vikings sail to the Americas

Jan 1, 1000

Leif Eriksion sailed to Vinland and told all the Vikings about it. But sadly, Leif's brother got attacked in a journey and ended all the trips to the Americas.

Marco Polo's Journey

Sep 19, 1271

Marco Polo becomes the first person to reach Asia and China by land. Also while there, he gets new spices, silks, perfumes, and other things. He also sets up trade routes in Constantinople or what is now Istanbul.

Ottoman Turks Invade

Sep 13, 1453

The Ottoman Turks invade Constantinople and stop all trade routes through it.

Bartholemeu Dias sails to Asia but doesn't get there

Dec 31, 1488

Bartholomeu Dias becomes first European to sail to Asia by sea route, but doesn't complete because his crew made him turn back at Cape of Good Hope.

Martin Behaim makes first "incorect" globe

Aug 18, 1492

A cartographer is a map maker. Martin Behaim was a German cartographer. In 1492, he made the world's first globe. It was made of leather. Martin Behaim called his leather globe the Earth Apple. Unfortunately, Martin Behaim did not have accurate information about the world. His Earth Apple was not very accurate. It showed the Earth as smaller than it really is.

Vasco de Gama sails to Asia by Sea

Dec 31, 1498

Vasco de Gama finally completes what Dias started and sails to Asia by sea, coming back with many spices.