Prince Henry the Navigator

Portuguese prince who encouraged exploration along the coast of Africa Helped improve navigation and shipbuilding Started a navigation school in Portugal

Bartolomeu Dias

First European to sail around the southern tip of Africa Reached the Cape of Good Hope Worked for Portugal

Vasco da Gama

First European to sail directly to India by sea Opened a profitable trade route for Portugal

Christopher Columbus

Sailed west across the Atlantic in 1492 Landed in the Caribbean, believing he had reached Asia Sailed for Spain

King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella

Rulers of Spain who paid for Columbus’s voyage Wanted wealth, trade, and the spread of Christianity

Ferdinand Magellan

Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the world Died during the journey, but his crew finished it Sailed for Spain

Hernan Cortes

Conquered the Aztec Empire in Mexico Defeated Montezuma and the Aztecs Worked for Spain

Francisco Pizarro

Conquered the Inca Empire in Peru, South America Worked for Spain

Amerigo Vespucci

Realized the Americas were not Asia but a “New World” America was named after him

John Cabot

Explored parts of North America First English claim in the New World Claimed land for England

Giovanni de Verrazzano

Explored the east coast of North America from North Carolina to Canada for France

Jacques Cartier

Explored the St. Lawrence River area in Canada Claimed land in Canada for France

Sir Francis Drake

Second expedition to circumnavigate the world First Englishman to circumnavigate the world Makes claims for England on West Coast of Americas

Henry Hudson

Explored waterways in North America Hudson River and Hudson Bay are named after him

Montezuma

Leader of the Aztec Empire when Cortes arrived Captured during the Spanish conquest

Page & Apprentice on a Ship

Young boys learning how to become sailors Helped clean, cook, carry supplies, and assist sailors Learned navigation and ship duties from experienced crew members

Scurvy

Disease caused by lack of Vitamin C Common on long sea voyages Caused weakness, bleeding gums, and sickness

Caravel

Small, fast sailing ship used by explorers Easy to maneuver and good for long voyages

Circumnavigation

Sailing completely around the world

Isthmus

Narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

Northwest Passage

Water route through northern North America that explorers hoped would lead to Asia

Compass

Navigation tool using a magnetic needle to show direction

Conquistador

Spanish conqueror who explored and claimed lands in the Americas

India/Indies

Europeans wanted a sea route to India for spices and trade Columbus mistakenly called the Caribbean islands the “Indies”

Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria

The three ships used by Columbus on his first voyage

Salt

Preserved food, especially meat and fish

Spices

Added flavor to food and preserved food. Used in medicine and perfumes

Silk

Expensive luxury fabric traded from Asia

Gold

Used for wealth, trade, and power