Christopher Columbus's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, led by Juan Sebastian Elcano after Magellan's death, completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth in 1522.

Vasco da Gama's voyage to India in 1498 opened up a direct sea route between Europe and Asia, revolutionizing trade and exploration.

John Cabot's exploration of the North American coast laid the foundation for future English colonization in the Americas.

Hernán Cortés's conquest of the Aztec Empire marked a significant turning point in the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

Francisco Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire brought an end to one of the most powerful civilizations in the Americas.

Pedro Álvares Cabral's accidental discovery of Brazil expanded Portugal's colonial empire in the Americas.

Vasco Núñez de Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean opened up new possibilities for exploration and trade.

Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson Bay expanded English claims in North America.

René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle's exploration of the Mississippi River opened up the vast interior of North America to French exploration and colonization.

Willem Janszoon's landing in Australia marked the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the continent.

James Cook's exploration of New Zealand added to the growing knowledge of the Pacific region.

Bartolomeu Dias's discovery of the Cape of Good Hope opened up a new route to India around Africa.

Lancelot Malocello's discovery of the Canary Islands expanded European knowledge of the Atlantic Ocean.