European Explorations of the East

Portuguese Seize Ceuta

Oct 10, 1415

By the 1400s, Portugal is strong enough to expand into Muslim North Africa, and they seize the coastal city of Ceuta in 1415. Their victory inspires Prince Henry, later known as Henry the Navigator, to organize voyages along the western coast of Africa

Vasco da Gama Reaches India

Jul 8, 1497

Vasco da Gama set sail for India with four ships on July 8,1497. He sailed around the Cape of Good Hope that was previously discovered by Barthalomeau Dias to India. He arrived in the great spice port of Calicut. This was the least important of the ten events because it proved highly profitable but had no true impact other than helping the Portugese become even more powerful.

Portugal Seizes Malacca

Aug 24, 1511

After da Gama's success in setting up a trading post, the Portuguese begin to capture key ports around the Indian Ocean. In 1511 they seize Malacca, which allows them to ally with Asian leaders and establish a major foothold in Asian trade routes. Portugal continues to set up a vast trading empire, but their brutality in Malacca makes them hated and feared.

Hernan Cortes Conquers the Aztecs

Aug 13, 1521

In 1519, Hernan Cortes began an inland trek with 600 men, 16 horses, and a few cannons toward the Aztec capital,Tenochtitlan. Finally in 1521, Cortes and his Indian allies captured and demolished Tenochtitlan.This event was the eigth most important because without the conquering of the Aztecs, the Spanish's empire wouldn't have expanded.Thus eliminating many historical events that took place and possibly another country would have conquered the Aztecs instead.

Dutch Merchants Found the Dutch East India Company

Mar 20, 1602

In the late 1500s, the Dutch set up colonies and trading posts around the world. A group of wealthy merchants found the Dutch East India Company, which furthers their quest to be the major European commercial power in the east. The company also comes into conflict with the English East India Company.