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Aug 21, 1415
Prince Henry starts navigation efforts
Portugal captures Ceuta in North Africa, and Prince Henry begins funding exploration afterward. -
Feb 3, 1488
Bartolomeu Dias rounds the Cape of Good Hop
He becomes the first European to sail around southern Africa, opening a path to Asia. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus reaches the Americas
He lands in the Bahamas, thinking he reached Asia, starting major European exploration. -
Jun 7, 1494
Treaty of Tordesillas is signed
Spain and Portugal agree to split up new lands to avoid conflict. -
May 20, 1498
Vasco da Gama comes to India
He reaches the city of Calicut after sailing around Africa, boosting European trade. -
Apr 2, 1513
Ponce de León lands in Florida
He explores the area looking for riches and new land for Spain. -
Apr 13, 1521
Cortés conquers the Aztec Empire
The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, falls to Spanish forces, changing Mexico forever. -
Sep 6, 1522
Magellan’s crew finishes their journey
After nearly 3 years, the survivors of Magellan’s voyage return to Spain, proving the world could be circled. -
Nov 16, 1532
Pizarro captures Inca leader Atahualpa
This begins the fall of the Inca Empire and Spanish control over Peru. -
Sep 8, 1565
St. Augustine is founded in Florida
Spain builds the first lasting European town in what is now the U.S.