Pirates have captured the popular imagination for centuries, with their tales of adventure, swashbuckling heroics, and dastardly deeds. While piracy has existed since humans first sailed the oceans, the so-called Golden Age of Piracy occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries, when pirates roamed the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Numerous pirates have become renowned … Read more
Throughout history, famous explorers have pushed the frontiers of what we knew about the world and improved our understanding of geography, culture, and natural history. Explorers have played an important part in creating our understanding of the world around us, from the first mariners who traversed oceans in quest of new lands and riches to … Read more
Hernando de Soto is most famous for his expeditions to the Americas, particularly his exploration of what is now the southeastern United States in the early 16th century. He was one of the first Europeans to visit this region and established substantial contact with numerous Native American groups, including the Apalachee, the Chickasaw, the Choctaw, … Read more
Henry Hudson is well known for his early 17th-century exploration of North America, particularly his trips in search of the Northwest Passage to Asia. He undertook four expeditions to Asia in pursuit of a northwest route, and his explorations of North America paved the way for European colonization of the continent. He is primarily remembered … Read more
Jacques Cartier was famous for his exploration of Canada and the St. Lawrence River. Between the years 1534 and 1542, he undertook three journeys to Canada, during which time he staked a claim to the territory on behalf of France, founded settlements, and made first contact with the indigenous population. Cartier is also recognized with … Read more
John Cabot was an Italian explorer who became famous for his expeditions to North America in the latter half of the 15th century. He is primarily remembered for these travels. Cabot was the first European to set foot in North America after the Vikings, and he claimed the area he discovered for England, which paved … Read more
Ferdinand Magellan was famous for leading the first circumnavigation of the globe. He set out on this expedition in 1519 with a fleet of five ships and 270 men, with the goal of finding a western route to the Spice Islands. Although Magellan was slain in the Philippines before finishing the expedition, one ship and … Read more
Juan Ponce de León is well known for his search for the Fountain of Youth, a mythological fountain thought to have healing properties that may reverse the aging process. While he is most famous for his role as a Spanish explorer and conquistador who established settlements in Puerto Rico and was the first European to … Read more
Hernán Cortés was a Spanish conquistador who commanded the expedition that conquered Mexico and brought the Aztec Empire to an end. He is a contentious historical character, revered by some as a hero and reviled by others as a brutal invader who brought down a great empire. Hernán Cortés is well known as the Spanish … Read more
The Conquistadors were Spanish and Portuguese explorers and soldiers who played an important role in the 16th century exploration, conquest, and colonization of the Americas. They were driven by a desire to expand the Spanish and Portuguese empires, promote Religion, and amass fortune by exploring and exploiting new regions. The Conquistadors conquered the Aztec, Inca, … Read more