Born in 1603 in Lutjegast, Netherlands. Joined Dutch East India Company in 1633. Participated in voyages to Japan and Seram Island
Born in Genoa between 1451 and 1453, Columbus learned multiple languages and traveled widely. Married Portuguese noblewoman Felipa Moniz Perestrelo, had two sons. Later took mistress Beatriz Enríquez de Arana, had son Ferdinand
Spanish King Charles I commissioned Magellan and Faleiro to find a western route to the Moluccas. The expedition was funded by Spain and included five ships with supplies. Magellan and Faleiro were named captains general in 1518
Born in Sines, Portugal around 1460s to Estêvão da Gama and Isabel Sodré. Joined Order of Santiago around 1480, later switched to Order of Christ. Served as Portuguese ambassador to France in 1492
Born around 1254 in Venice to merchant Niccolò Polo. Learned mercantile trade from father and uncle Niccolò and Maffeo. Nicknamed "Milione" (Million) for his wealth claims
Columbus searched for a westward route to Asia in 1492. He was inspired by Marco Polo's exploration of Asia. Spain funded his voyages to find new trade routes