Explorers and Conquerers

1. Christopher Columbus

1.1. Born : May 20, 1506 in Valladolid Spain

1.2. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 in hopes of reaching the East Indies.

1.3. After sailing for 36 long days Columbus reached the Bahamas.

1.4. In his journey he didn't account for the continents.

1.5. He died May 20, 1506. Thinking he found Asia.

1.6. Sailed for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle.

2. Ferdinand Magellan

2.1. Born February 3, 1480 in Portugal.

2.2. In 1519 he set out from Spain with 5 ships.

2.3. He wanted to find a Western Sea Route to the Spice Islands.

2.4. One of the few explorers to circumnavigate.

2.5. Became one of the only Europeans to cross the Pacific.

2.6. Reason for travel was to acquire spices.

3. Prince Henry

3.1. Born in Porto Portugal in 1394.

3.2. Originator of the Age of Discovery.

3.3. In 1415 he had ships reach the Canary Islands.

3.4. Known for his knowledge of geography and mapmaking.

3.5. Founded The Atlantic Slave Trade.

3.6. Started a navigation school in Sagres.

4. Hernan Cortes

4.1. Born around 1485 he was a Spanish conquistador.

4.2. Captured Aztec Empire and overthrew Mexico.

4.3. Appointed Governor of New Spain.

4.4. Defeated Aztec ruler Montezuma I (held him hostage).

4.5. Traveled to Spain in 1540 where he was no longer in control.

4.6. Later died in Spain in 1547.

5. Francisco Pizzaro

5.1. Born around 1474 in Trujillo, Spain.

5.2. In 1513 he discovered the Pacific Ocean.

5.3. Conquered the Incan Empire and Cozco

5.4. Conflict with Almagro led to problems in 1537.

5.5. He later captured Almagro then killed him.

5.6. One of Almagros followers killed Pizzaro in retaliation.

6. Vasco de Gama

6.1. Born in 1469 in Sines, Portugal.

6.2. First person to sail from Europe to India.

6.3. Known as a fearless and tough navigator.

6.4. Named Portuguese viceroy in India in 1524.

6.5. Worked closely with Bartolomeu Dias in Africa.

6.6. In 1487 they discovered the Cape of Good Hope.