Five Ships of Exploration

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
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published on 14 January 2025
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This infographic illustrates five notable ships from the Age of Exploration, a period during the 15th and 16th centuries when European powers sought new trade routes, territories, and knowledge of the world. Several notable ships played key roles in groundbreaking voyages in its early phase. Bartolomeu Dias sailed the São Cristóvão in 1488, becoming the first European to round the Cape of Good Hope, opening the way to the Indian Ocean. Vasco da Gama's São Gabriel (1497–1499) reached India, establishing a direct sea route from Europe. Christopher Columbus famously crossed the Atlantic on the Santa María in 1492, landing in the New World. John Cabot's Matthew (1497) explored the coast of North America, claiming it for England. Finally, Ferdinand Magellan's Victoria completed the first circumnavigation of the globe (1519–1522).

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher passionate about the human stories behind past events. He believes every image should tell a story and spark interaction, while each map leads on a journey, blending imagination with education.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2025, January 14). Five Ships of Exploration. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19881/five-ships-of-exploration/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Five Ships of Exploration." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified January 14, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19881/five-ships-of-exploration/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Five Ships of Exploration." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 14 Jan 2025. Web. 21 Feb 2025.

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