-
Jan 1, 1406
Map of the world is rediscovered
In the second century, geographer Ptolomey created a map of the world. It was lost until rediscovery in western Europe in the 15th century. At that time it was the best existing map of the world. This map leads Columbus to believe that he can reach Asia by sailing west from Europe. -
Jan 1, 1420
Caravels are built
This is the year that the first caravels are built. Caravels are small and fast sailing ships that aid in exploration. This same year, an Asian ship enters the Atlantic ocean by rounding the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape of Good Hope is the southern most time of Africa. -
Jan 1, 1487
First European to reach the Cape of Good Hope
Bartholomeu Dias was the first Euopean to reach the southern tip of Africa, also know as the Cape of Good Hope. This is an accomplisment for a few reasons. One is that no one had ever done this before. Second, the tip of Africa has stong currents because it is the place where many oceans come together. -
Jan 1, 1492
West Indies are discovered
During this year, Columbus discovered the West Indies in the New World. This is Columbus' first voyage in an attempt to reach Asia. He encounters the first Native Americas, or Indians as he calls them. He also learned that compasses change direction slightly as the longitude changes. -
Jan 1, 1498
Columbus discovers America
Columbus discovers the America continent this year. He does not realize he has discovered something new but rather he thinks that he has landed in Asia. This reasoning comes from studying Plotomey's map. On this trip he landed in South America. -
Jan 1, 1499
Vespucchi explores South America
This is the year that Amerigo Vespucchi explored along the coast of South America. He is the first explorer to take note of a couple of things. First, he believed that South America is not part of Asia, but a new continent. He also discovered that South America extends farther south than anyone had thought that it did. -
Jan 1, 1507
A new map of the world is created
During this year, Martin Waldseemüller created a new map of the world. He includes the newly found southern continent. He names in America in honor of Amerigo Vespucchi, who discovered it. This map is now the most accurate at the time. -
Jan 1, 1519
Ferinand Magellen searches for a southwestern passage
During this year, Ferdinand Magellan leaves Spain with five ships. He is searching for a southwestern passage to Asia. Essentially he is looking for a way to reach Asia by going below South America. This is also the hear that Hernan Cortez enters Tenochitlan to meet with the Aztec emperor. -
Jan 1, 1521
Fall of Aztec Empire
This is the year that the Spanish forces overthrew the Aztec empire. They built their own captial, called New Spain (Mexico City) on the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochitlan. This was the first time outside forces overpowered the native americans. Spain then began to establish more places in America. -
Jan 1, 1522
First voyage around the world ended
During this year the last remaining of Magellan's five ships returned to Spain. There were seventeen men left on the crew. The return of this ship ended the first voyage around the world. Magellan's voyage begain in 1519 and was completed three years later. -
Jan 1, 1533
Spain conquers Inca empire
During this year Spanish conqueror, Pizzaro, hung Inca emperor Atahualpa. Spain also gains control of the Inca empire. A smallpox epidemic and civil war has already begun to destroy the Inca empire. This is another place that Spain was gaining more power at in South America. -
Period: Nov 15, 1539 to Nov 15, 1542
Exploration of North America
PictureDuring this time period, four main explorations took place in North America, in regions that are now apart of the United States. De Soto explored an area that is know today as the Southeastern United States. Coronado explored the America Southwest. The Misssissippi River was also explored by the Spanish Hernando Desoto. Giovanni Verrazano eplored the coast of North America for France. -
Jan 1, 1543
Important books published
This year, an astronomer named Nicholas Copernicus published a book, that changed the way people looked at earth in relation to the sun. In his book, he said that the earth and other planets revolve around the sun. Additionally, a biologist, Andreas Vesalius published a book. It was the first accurate book on human anatomy. -
Australia explored
During this year, Australia was explored by the Dutch. This was the first time Europeans landed at this new continent. In 1788, the first fleet of European ships arrived in Australia to establish a colony. With time, more Europeans came to Australia and more colonies were established. -
Jamestown founded
On May 13, 1607 the Jamestown colony in Virginia was established. This was the first permanent English settlement in the new world. There had been some previous attempted at and English colony, but they all failed. Jamestown was named for James I of England. -
Exploration
All the events that I chose are important to exploration. Some of the events are discoveries of new contients such as North and South America and Australia. Others are about improvements to the technologies used by explorers. Improved technologies led to more discoveries. There are also some events of colonies and capitals that are established. These show the countries that began to gain power in newly found places. These are just a few of the many important events in exploration.
