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Jan 1, 1415
Prince Henry
Credited with liberationg Europe from geographical restraint. Started trade with other continents. He encouraged his father to capture a Muslim port.
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Jan 1, 1488
Bartolomeu Dias
Was the first European mariner to round the tip of Africa. This opened up new trade route from Europe to Asia.
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Jan 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Went on many journys in his life. Sailing at a young age almost got him killed because of french privateers attacked the ship he was on. He had to swim to shore. When he decided he wanted to sail to the new land which was west, everyone shot him down. He left in 1492 on the Santa Maria with the Pinta and Nina along side him. More information -
Jan 1, 1497
Vasco da Gama
He was the first person to sail directly from Europe to India. Started in 1497 and arrived in 1498
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Jan 1, 1501
Amerigo Vespucii
Born in Italy, he went on his first expedition in 1499. Made it to the amazon river. His second expedition led him to the tip of what is now South America. Used the stars as navigation.
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Jan 1, 1513
Ponce de Leon
Went on a secret expedition to find the fountain of youth. Sailed west, but instead he found what is now Florida.
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Jan 1, 1518
Ferdinand Magellan
His family had ties to the royal family, allowed him to become more educated. Sailed under the Portuguese flag. Funded by Charles I, Magellan went on a voyage to reach the Spice Islands. Credited with the first circumnavigation of the earth.
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Jan 1, 1519
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
He helped establish the town of Darien on the isthmus of Panama. He became interim governor. Avila got jealous and had him beheaded.
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Jan 1, 1526
Fransisco Pizzaro
Sailed for Peru and took the land for Spain. He took the Inca leader hostage and had him killed. He also created the capital of Peru, Lima. Was later assassinated by political rivals.
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Jan 1, 1538
Hernan Cortes
Led his first expedition at the age of 19 and continued to lead for many more years. He was a soldier, explorer, and conquistador. He would befriend the natives and try to turn them on eachother to gain control.
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