World History: Explorers

Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in North America. It was located in what is now the state of Virginia.

Francisco Coronado led an expedition through the American Southwest in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. He was driven by the hope of finding immense wealth.

Ferdinand Magellan led the expedition that first sailed across the Pacific Ocean. Although he died during the voyage, his crew completed the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Juan Ponce de León led an expedition to the Americas in search of the Fountain of Youth. During his travels, he landed on the peninsula he named Florida.

The East Indies, particularly the islands in modern-day Indonesia, were historically known as the Spice Islands due to their production of valuable spices like nutmeg and cloves.

Christopher Columbus sought financial backing for his voyage across the Atlantic from the Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile.

Prince Henry the Navigator was a central figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and the Age of Discovery. He sponsored numerous voyages along the coast of Africa.

Ibn Battutah was a Moroccan scholar who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world and beyond, visiting places such as Mecca, Delhi, and Timbuktu during the 14th century.

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant who traveled to Asia, including China, during the late 13th century. His accounts introduced many Europeans to the culture and geography of the East.

Leif Eriksson is widely credited as the first European to reach North America, establishing a Norse settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, around the year 1000.