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120
Ptolemy creates first flat map
Ptolemy created the first flat map of the world in 120AD. Ptolemy’s map displayed latitude and longitude lines. He was the first to place this grid system on a map and used the same grid system for the entire planet. His maps showed place names and coordinates. -
Period: 120 to
Explorers
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Apr 20, 1002
Leif Ericsson discovers North America
Leif Ericsson discovered North America in 1002. Eriksson was the first ever European to set foot on the North American continent. The areas that Leif Eriksson discovered and explored where Baffin Island, Labrador and Newfoundland. -
Oct 17, 1295
Marco Polo explores China
From 1271-1295, Marco Polo travelled through China over the Silk Road. He worked for Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor, for seventeen years. He brought back ivory, jade, jewels, porcelain and silk. He told about the Chinese use of coal, money and compasses. -
Jan 1, 1492
Columbus discovers the New World
In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain. He led three ships - the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. His objective was to sail west until he reached The Indies where he was hoping to find gold, pearls and spices. Columbus's initial discovery was “San Salvador,” what we now know is part of the Bahamas. His voyages led to European contact with the Americas, European exploration, conquest, and colonization. -
Oct 22, 1497
John Cabot discovers Newfoundland
John Cabot discovered the island of Newfoundland in 1497 while he was searching for the Northwest Passage. Cabot landed at Cape Bonavista in Newfoundland. -
Oct 22, 1513
Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean
Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean in 1513. -
May 15, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan sails around the world
From 1519-1522 Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the world. He departed from Spain in 1519 with a fleet of five ships and returned in 1522. Magellan’s voyages proved that the world was round. -
Dec 21, 1521
Hernando Cortes conquers Aztecs
In 1521, Hernando Cortes travelled through Mexico and conquered the Aztec Empire. Cortes built Mexico City on the Aztec ruins and brought many Europeans over to live there. It soon became the most important European city in North America. -
Jul 25, 1534
Jacques Cartier discovers the Great Lakes
Jacques Cartier discovered the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. -
Aug 12, 1540
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado discovers the Grand Canyon
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado explored the southwestern United States while searching for the Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola. During his exploration, Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon in 1540. -
Marquette & Jolliet explore Mississippi River
In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet explored the Mississippi River. Marquette and Jolliet were the first Europeans to follow the course of the river. -
Eric the Red discovers Greenland
Eric Thorvaldsson (Eric the Red) discovered Greenland in 982. Eric the Red left Iceland in 982 and sailed west. He discovered a country with an attractive landscape and fertile green valleys. He was impressed with the new country's resources and he returned to Iceland to spread the word of "The green land".
