European Explorers

I sailed west in hopes of finding Asia. I am given credit for discovering “The New World” now known as America.

• Giovanni Verrazano

• Christopher Columbus

• Samuel de Champlain

•  Amerigo Vespucci

I wrote a book about my travels to Asia which inspired many people to want to explore. 

• Marco Polo

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Christopher Columbus

I was sponsored by King Henry VII of England to explore west. I thought I’d found Asia, but I really landed in Newfoundland (Canada).

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Samuel de Champlain

• Christopher Columbus

• John Cabot

I explored the isthmus of Panama and discovered the Pacific Ocean.

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Hernando Cortes

• Vasco Nunez de Balboa

I had a school of navigation and sponsored explorers expeditions.

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Prince Henry of Portugal

• Marco Polo

I am a French explorer.  I explored the Atlantic coast of North America and Brazil in South America.

• Giovanni Verrazzano

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Jacques Cartier

• John Cabot

I am known for leading the first expedition around the world.

• Marco Polo

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Prince Henry

• Amerigo Vespucci

I sailed the west coast of South America and defeated the Inca Empire in South America.

• Hernando de Soto

• Francisco Pizarro

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Ferdinand Magellan

I explored west along the Gulf of Mexico.

• Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

• Francisco Coronado

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Hernando de Soto

I explored what is now the Southeastern United States and became the first explorer to see the Mississippi River.

• Hernando de Soto

• Francisco Pizarro

• Juan Ponce de Leon

• Ferdinand Magellan