European Explorers from 1394-1491

Henry the Navigator

1394

Born in 1394, Henry the Navigator was a Portuguese prince who helped capture the North African city of Ceuta. He was known for mapping the coast of west Africa. He also spread Christianity and defeated Muslims. Henry the Navigator also succeeded in making new trade routes.

Christopher Columbus

1451

Born in 1451, Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who made four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean from Spain. He wanted to find water routes west from Europe to Asia. Another reason why he explored was because he would be able to bring back silks and spices. He also wanted to conquer other areas for the Spanish Empire. Instead, in 1492 he sailed on his ship called the Santa Maria and discovered the new world in which we call America.

Juan Ponce de Leon

1460

Born in 1460, Juan Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer who was born into Spanish nobility and accompanied Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America in 1493. He was the first European to reach Florida and discovered the Gulf Stream which helped Spanish ships find their way home from the New World. He also explored and settled in Puerto Rico.

Pedro Alvares Cabral

1467

Born in 1467, Pedro Alvares Cabral was a Portuguese navigator who was the first European to reach Brazil. His purpose was to follow the same route as De Gama and to establish trade and relationships with rulers in India. He also claimed the northeast coast of South America for Portugal.

Vasco da Gama

1469

Born in 1469, Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer who became the first European to make it to India by sea (Atlantic Ocean). He sailed from Lisbon in 1497 to reach India and open a sea route from Europe to the East. Vasco da Gama went to India twice but in his second voyage he clashed with Muslim traders and once he reached India again, he died there with an illness in 1524

Francisco Pizarro

1478

Born in 1478, Francisco Pizarro was a Spanish conquistador who led his expedition that led to the Spanish conquest of Peru. He founded Peru's capital Lima. He also conquered the Incas and killed their leader Atahuapla. Francisco Pizarro also discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

Ferdinand Magellan

1480

Born in 1480, Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer who discovered the Strait of Magellan and became the first European to go across the Pacific Ocean. During his voyage, he set out to sea from Spain with a fleet of five ships but only one ship came back after three years with valuable spices. Magellan died in battle during his journey but proved to everyone that the world can be sailed around.

Hernan Cortes

1485

Born in 1485, Hernan Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztecs and claimed Mexico for Spain. During the time, Mexico was ruled by Montezuma ll. He captured Montezuma ll and used him to get gold. In 1521, Cortes went into battle with the Aztecs and took control of the city. His goal was to seek recognition and support from the Spanish royal court.

Giovanni de Verrazzano

1485

Born in 1485, Giovanni da Verrazzano was an Italian explorer who was the first European to discover New York and Narragansett Bays. His goal was to find a route to Asia sailing through the Pacific Ocean. Verrazzano was captured and eaten by a tribe of cannibals in 1528

Jacques Cartier

1491

Born in 1491, Jacques Cartier was a French Explorer who explored the St. Lawrence River and gave Canada its name. He had a good reputation for being a skilled navigator because of his three voyages he made to North America. Jacques Cartier's goal was to seek good, other riches, and to find new routes to Asia.