Age of Exploration Timeline

(15th to 17th century)

The Age of Exploration was a period of extensive exploration and discovery that took place from the 15th to the 17th century. During this time, European explorers set out to discover new trade routes, expand their empires, and gain wealth and knowledge. More Less

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Voyages and Expeditions

Portuguese exploration begins

1415

Bartolomeu Dias rounds the Cape of Good Hope

1488

Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese explorer, successfully rounds the southernmost tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, in 1488. This achievement opens up a new maritime route to India and establishes Portugal as a major player in the Age of Exploration.

Vasco da Gama sails to India

1497

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal on July 8, 1497, with four ships, in search of a direct sea route to India. After a long and treacherous journey, he finally reaches Calicut, India on May 20, 1498, becoming the first European to reach India by sea.

Image source: Vasco da Gama

John Cabot explores the coast of North America

1497

John Cabot, an Italian explorer, sets sail from England in 1497 with a crew of 18 men. They explore the coast of North America, possibly reaching Newfoundland and claiming it for England.

Image source: Sebastian Cabot (explorer)

John Cabot explores the coast of North America

Vasco Núñez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama

1513

Vasco Núñez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama (1513).

Image source: Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition circumnavigates the globe

1519 - 1522

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, also known as the First Circumnavigation of the Earth, began in 1519 and ended in 1522. Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, set out with five ships to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they reached South America and sailed through the treacherous Strait of Magellan. They then entered the Pacific Ocean, where they faced numerous challenges, including storms, lack of food and water, and mutiny. Despite these hardships, they continued westward until they reached the Philippines. Magellan was killed in a battle with the natives, but the surviving members of the expedition managed to complete the journey and return to Spain, making them the first to circumnavigate the globe.

Image source: Magellan expedition

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition circumnavigates the globe

Jacques Cartier explores the St. Lawrence River

1534

Jacques Cartier explores the St. Lawrence River in North America. He sets sail from France in April 1534 and reaches the mouth of the St. Lawrence River in June of the same year. Cartier explores the river and makes contact with the indigenous people who already inhabit the area. He continues to explore along the river, reaching present-day Montreal before eventually heading back to France.

Image source: Jacques Cartier

Hernando de Soto explores southeastern United States

1539 - 1543

Hernando de Soto explores southeastern United States from 1539 to 1543. De Soto was a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition to explore and conquer the region. The expedition covered parts of present-day Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. De Soto encountered various Native American tribes during his journey, including the Apalachee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw. The expedition faced many challenges, including hostile encounters with the Native Americans, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. After de Soto's death in 1542, the expedition continued under the leadership of Luis de Moscoso until 1543.

Image source: Hernando de Soto

Sir Francis Drake completes circumnavigation of the globe

1580 - 1581

Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer and naval commander, completes the first circumnavigation of the globe from 1577 to 1580. He sets sail in December 1577 with five ships and a crew of around 164 men. During his voyage, Drake travels through the Strait of Magellan, explores the coasts of South America, crosses the Pacific Ocean, and navigates around the Cape of Good Hope to return to England. His successful circumnavigation demonstrates England's naval prowess and establishes Drake as a national hero.

Image source: Francis Drake's circumnavigation

Sir Francis Drake completes circumnavigation of the globe

Sir Walter Raleigh establishes Roanoke Colony

1585

Sir Walter Raleigh establishes Roanoke Colony in 1585 as the first English settlement in North America. The colony was located on an island off the coast of present-day North Carolina.

John Smith establishes Jamestown colony

1607

John Smith establishes Jamestown colony in 1607. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America. Smith was an English soldier, explorer, and author who played a key role in the early colonization of America.

Image source: Jamestown, Virginia

Samuel de Champlain establishes Quebec City

1608

Samuel de Champlain establishes Quebec City in 1608. He was a French explorer and cartographer and is often called the 'Father of New France'. He founded Quebec City as a fur trading post and a base for further exploration of North America. Champlain's establishment of Quebec City laid the foundation for French colonization in North America.

Image source: Samuel de Champlain

Henry Hudson explores the Hudson River

1609

Henry Hudson explores the Hudson River in 1609. He was an English navigator who was hired by the Dutch East India Company to find a Northeast Passage to Asia. Instead, he sailed west and discovered the river that would later be named after him. Hudson and his crew sailed up the river for several days, trading with the Native Americans they encountered along the way. While the expedition did not result in the discovery of a new trade route, it did lead to further exploration and settlement of the region by the Dutch.

Image source: Hudson River

Dutch settle New Amsterdam (Later New York City)

1626

Dutch settle New Amsterdam (Later New York City) (1626)

Image source: New Amsterdam

Abel Tasman explores Australia and New Zealand

1642 - 1643

Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, sets sail from the Dutch East Indies to explore the unknown lands of Australia and New Zealand. He discovers Tasmania, explores the western coast of Australia, and makes the first European contact with New Zealand. Tasman's voyages pave the way for future European exploration and colonization of the region. (1642 - 1643)

Image source: Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman explores Australia and New Zealand

James Cook's first Pacific voyage

1768 - 1771

James Cook's first Pacific voyage took place from 1768 to 1771. He set sail aboard the HMS Endeavour and explored various islands in the Pacific, including Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. Cook's main purpose was to observe the transit of Venus and search for the fabled southern continent. He made significant contributions to cartography, biology, and anthropology during this voyage.

Image source: First voyage of James Cook

Captain James Cook killed in Hawaii

Feb 14, 1779

Captain James Cook, a British explorer, is killed by native Hawaiians during his third voyage to the Pacific. He and his crew arrived in Hawaii in January 1779 and tensions between the crew and the locals quickly escalated. On February 14, 1779, a confrontation broke out and Cook was killed. His death marked the end of his explorations and had a significant impact on the history of Hawaii and the Pacific.

Image source: Death of James Cook

Alexander von Humboldt explores South America

1799 - 1804

Alexander von Humboldt explores South America from 1799 to 1804. He conducts extensive scientific research and exploration across the continent, documenting its flora, fauna, and geography. Humboldt's expedition greatly contributes to the understanding of South America's natural history and establishes him as one of the most influential scientists of his time.

Image source: Alexander von Humboldt

Lewis and Clark Expedition begins

May 14, 1804 - Sep 23, 1806

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was the first American expedition to cross the western portion of the United States. It began on May 14, 1804, in St. Louis, Missouri and ended on September 23, 1806, in St. Louis, Missouri. The expedition was led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark. Its primary goal was to explore and map the newly acquired western territory of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase, and to find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.

Technological Advancements

Prince Henry the Navigator establishes navigation school

1419

Prince Henry the Navigator establishes navigation school (1419)

Image source: Prince Henry the Navigator

Discoveries and Encounters

Christopher Columbus reaches the Americas

Oct 12, 1492

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached the Americas. He landed on an island in the Caribbean Sea, which is now known as the Bahamas. This event marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Amerigo Vespucci explores the coast of South America

1499

Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, explores the coast of South America in 1499. He is the first to suggest that the newly discovered lands are part of a separate continent, rather than part of Asia as previously believed.

Image source: Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci explores the coast of South America

Pedro Álvares Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal

1500

Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer, sets sail from Lisbon on March 9, 1500, with a fleet of 13 ships. On April 22, 1500, Cabral lands in present-day Brazil and claims it for Portugal. This event marked the beginning of Portuguese colonization in Brazil.

Image source: Pedro Álvares Cabral

Pedro Álvares Cabral claims Brazil for Portugal

Juan Ponce de León discovers Florida

1513

Juan Ponce de León discovers Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth.

Image source: Juan Ponce de León

Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean

Sep 25, 1513

Vasco Núñez de Balboa, a Spanish explorer, is the first European to discover the Pacific Ocean. On September 25, 1513, Balboa reached the ocean after crossing the Isthmus of Panama. This discovery opened up a new route for trade and exploration and proved that the Americas were not part of Asia.

Captain James Cook claims Australia for Britain

1770

Captain James Cook claims Australia for Britain (1770)

Image source: James Cook

Exploration Rivalries

Treaty of Tordesillas divides the New World between Spain and Portugal

Jun 7, 1494

The Treaty of Tordesillas was an agreement between Spain and Portugal, signed on June 7, 1494. The treaty divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two countries, with Spain receiving the bulk of the Americas and Portugal gaining control over Africa and Asia.

Image source: Treaty of Tordesillas

Treaty of Tordesillas divides the New World between Spain and Portugal

Dutch East India Company founded

1602

The Dutch East India Company, also known as VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), was founded on March 20, 1602. It was a chartered company that was created to establish and maintain trade with the East Indies (present-day Indonesia). The company had a monopoly on trade in the region and became one of the largest and most powerful trading companies in the world. It played a central role in the Dutch Golden Age and had a significant impact on the age of exploration and global trade. The Dutch East India Company established trading posts and colonies throughout Asia, including present-day Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. It also played a crucial role in the development of global capitalism and the financial system, introducing stock trading and issuing shares to fund its expeditions and operations. Despite its initial success, the Dutch East India Company faced financial difficulties and eventually went bankrupt in 1799, leading to the liquidation of its assets and the end of its operations.

Image source: Dutch East India Company

Consequences and Impact

Hernán Cortés conquers the Aztec Empire

1521

Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, leads an expedition to Mexico and successfully defeats the Aztec Empire under the leadership of Montezuma II. After a series of battles and alliances with indigenous groups, Cortés and his troops capture Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire, in 1521. This event marks the end of the Aztec civilization and the beginning of Spanish colonization in Mexico.

Image source: Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire

Francisco Pizarro captures the Inca Empire

1532

Francisco Pizarro captures the Inca Empire in 1532.

Image source: Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire

Key Facts

Portugal was the first European country to kick off the Age of Exploration.
Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering America in 1492.
The Age of Exploration led to increased global trade and the establishment of colonial empires.
Explorers like Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Francis Drake made significant voyages during this time.
The Age of Exploration brought new knowledge and ideas, including advancements in navigation and cartography.

Source

This Age of Exploration timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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