Crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513. Was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean.

Sailed for the Dutch even though he was originally from England. He was looking for a northwest passage through North America. Several major landmarks in Canada are named for him.

First French explorer to reach North America. Claimed Canada for France.

Portuguese explorer who claimed Brazil for Portugal in 1500. He had intended to follow Da Gama but was blown off course.

This Portuguese prince led an extensive effort to promote seafaring expertise in the 14th century. Sent many expeditions to the coast of West Africa in the 15th century, leading Portugal to discover a route around Africa, ultimately to India.

Spanish conquistador who conquered the Incas in what is now Peru and founded the city of Lima (1475-1541).

Conquered the Aztec Empire winning Mexico on behalf of Spain

Discovered and claimed Florida for Spain while possibly looking for the Fountain of Youth 1513. In 1565, he established St. Augustine, Florida, America's first permanent settlement and the oldest town in the U.S.

Spanish Conquistador; in the 1540's he explored from Florida west to the Mississippi with six hundred men in search of gold; discovered the Mississippi, a vital North American river.

Naval explorer during the Ming dynasty who sailed along most of the coast of Asia, Japan, and halfway down the east coast of Africa before his death; he is credited with cultural diffusion and with possibly exploring the Americas before Columbus;