Portugeuse and Spanish Explorers

Prince Henry the Navigator

Nov 14, 1434

Prince Henry was inspired to explore Africa, most of this country was unknown to many Europeans. Prince Henry rarely went on expeditions himself, so he sent ships. This is where Henry got the Navigator added to his name. Prince Henry's first success was the discovery of the island Porto Santo. Henry wanted to explore western Africa, he sent 15 expeditions between 1424 and 1434. None of the ships were successful. Finally he sent Captain Eannes, this was the first ship to pass Cape Bojador.

Christopher Columbus

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus was the first person to discover that the world was flat. On his first expedition, he led 3 ships. They started on October 11th they spotted the Carribean Island and named it San Salvador. Columbus thought he made it into India so he called its inhabitants Indians. This voyage is considered the "Discovery of America". On his second voyage he found a chain of Islands which is now the Virgin Islands.

Vasco Da Gama

Jul 14, 1497

Vasco Da Gama was the first person to sail directly from Europe to India. In 1497, he was appointed to command an expeditiion to find a maritime route to the East. They sailed along the coast of Africa and veered into the Atlantic then swinging back to make an arc to arrive at the African coast. This route was established and is still used today. An Arab Navigator helped them reach the Indian Coast in May. An all-water route was launched after this expedition.

Vasco Nunez de Balboa

Sep 14, 1513

Balboa was the first European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean in 1513. In 1500, Balboa sailed with Bastidas from Spain to Columbia, South America. The two men we unsuccessful in their expedition. In 1511, he traveled southwest to a spot he had seen on an earlier voyage. Balboa founded a colony, the first settlement in South America. Vasco helped establish the first stable settlement on the South American continent at Darien.

Ferdinand Magellan

Sep 14, 1519

Ferdinand led the first expeditions that sailed around the world and he named the Pacific Ocean;Pacific means calm peaceful sea. Ferdinand believed he could find a new route to the Spice Island so he proposed the idea to many kings in order to complete his voyage. King Charles l agreed with Magellan's plan and granted him a large sum of money to find a route to the Spice Islands by sailing west. Ferdinand set sail with five other ships September 1519. Megellan is given credit of circumnavigation