Christopher Columbus
An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, opening up the Americas to European colonization and initiating the Columbian Exchange.
Learn More →
Ferdinand Magellan
A Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, though he died en route in the Philippines.
Learn More →
Vasco da Gama
A Portuguese explorer and navigator who was the first European to reach India by sea, linking Europe and Asia by an ocean route.
Learn More →
Hernán Cortés
A Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under Spanish rule.
Learn More →
Francisco Pizarro
A Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire, paving the way for much of Spain's dominion over South America.
Learn More →
John Cabot
An Italian explorer and merchant who made a voyage to North America in 1497 under the commission of King Henry VII of England.
Learn More →