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Jan 1, 1427
Prince Henry
One of Henry's navigators discoved the islands of Azores. -
Jan 1, 1434
Prince Henry
A commander on one of Prince Henry's expeditions sails past Cape Bojador, an area with dangerous currents. -
Jan 1, 1437
Prince Henry
Prince Henry organizes an expedition to Tangier. -
Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Left on first voyage with 3 ships, Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. -
Sep 24, 1493
Christopher Columbus
Leaves on second voyage to the New World with 17 ships and the intent of setting up permanent colonies. -
Jul 8, 1497
Vasco da Gama
Da Gama leads an expediton around Africa to India and back, with a total distance traveled more than around the equator. -
May 30, 1498
Christopher Columbus
Left on third expedition to deliver supplies to the new colonies and find a route to Asia. -
Jan 1, 1500
Vasco da Gama
da Gama's second expediton to India, to set up a Portuguese factory and make a treaty with the locals. -
Jan 1, 1500
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
First expedition to New World. -
Jan 1, 1510
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Founded first colony on mainland Americas; Santa María la Antigua del Darién. -
Jan 1, 1513
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Crossed Isthmus of Panama. -
Aug 10, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan
Departure for circumnavigation expedition. -
Apr 27, 1521
Ferdinand Magellan
Dies in a battle with natives. -
Sep 6, 1522
Ferdinand Magellan
Remaining crew of Magellan's voyage succeeds in circumnavigating the globe. -
Apr 1, 1524
Vasco da Gama
Last voyage to India.